Claas have announced that they recorded a slight year-on-year rise in sales at €3.898 billion (prior year: €3.889 billion).

Income before taxes fell to €136 million (prior year: €226 million).

The Axion 900 Terra Trac was launched this year

Thomas Böck, CEO of the Claas Group said, “Claas recorded stable development in an increasingly negative market environment. Despite the anticipated drop in income, we kept the company on course and systematically invested in the further digitalisation and the expansion of our market positions."

The company reported a significant rise in sales in France and the rest of western Europe. In eastern Europe, they say core business continued to develop well, while sales in Germany fell as a result of weather conditions. Outside Europe, the situation was described as mixed, with overall sales down year on year.

Claas say that this year has seen a new record investment of €244 million in R&D, in addition to a number of major product launches, including the new Generation 2 Lexion combine range, the Axion 900 Terra Trac and the new top-of-the-range Jaguar 990 - plus a €125 million investment in property, plant and equipment.

Looking forward, the manufacturer says they expect the global market to be stable, despite regional uncertainties, and expects a further slight rise in sales and stable income. However, it does not rule out the negative effect that simmering international trade conflicts and the risk that a further economic slow down could have on sales.

• Net Sales: €3.898 billion (+0.2%)
• Income before taxes: €135.7 million (-39.9%)
• Capital expenditure: €125.4 million (+10.7%)
• R & D investment: €243.6 million (+4.4%)
• Total assets: €3.531.9 billion (+2.4%)
• No. of employees: 11,448 (+2.8%)