German Agricultural Machinery Market Grew 10% in 2012

According to the VDMA Agricultural Machinery Association, the agricultural machinery industry ended 2012 on a high note with a growth rate of 10% compared to 2011.

The agricultural machinery industry in Germany finished the year 2012 with a new record. According to the VDMA Agricultural Machinery Association, manufacturers of tractors and agricultural machinery achieved a turnover of €7.66 billion, a growth of 10% in comparison to the previous year. The present level thus exceeds the former record value of 2008 by two percentage points. “Manufacturers in Germany performed well in the worldwide industry upswing last year. Due to this growth, Germany has further increased its lead in agricultural machinery production within Europe,” explains Dr.-Ing. Hermann Garbers, Chairman of the VDMA Agricultural Machinery Association, in announcing the results.

Half the tractors with engine performance above 120 hp

With 59,213 units, tractor production reached approximately the level of 2011, while turnover rose 5% to €3.56 billion. Half of the tractors produced in Germany had an engine performance of more than 120 hp (90 kW). Average engine power increased slightly to 146 hp (107 kW). Particularly in the second half of the year, turnover for forage harvesting machinery, soil tillage and sowing equipment and plant protection machinery exceeded the overall trend.

Tractor manufacturers provide turnover impetus

In 2012 turnover generally surpassed the value of the previous year, with particular momentum provided by tractor manufacturers, who experienced record production in the first quarter. Manufacturers are currently producing to capacity, with orders for an average of three months; the order volume corresponds to that of last year. VDMA therefore anticipates a stable turnover trend for 2013, with a widely differing demand for new machinery in individual countries. The largest sales markets continue to be Germany and France, followed by Russia.

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