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Yanmar Launch 8th May 2008

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Yanmar in Ballarat Gold Strike

Market 'gaps' attract Yanmar

Official Press Release

Yanmar Australia Built for the Future Conference

          - products, partnering and plentiful harvests!

On May 8, a dazzling display of laser-technics signalled the release of Yanmar tractors to dealers from around Australia.  The two-day Built for the Future conference, held at the luxurious Novotel-Forest Resort in Creswick, Victoria, was the culmination of thousands of hours of rigorous field testing in Australia, by PFG Australia Ltd and engineers from The Yanmar Company, Japan. 

PFG Sales Director, Craig Maber, said the new range of six precision performance 20-90hp tractors has been selected for superior durability and new technology.  The initial release comprises three compact models: the 20hp KE20, 34hp EF352 and 45hp EF453; and three utility models: 68hp EF685 ROPS, 90hp EG907, and EG907 HMT (ROPS and Cabin).

CEO Bruce Nixon spoke of the steady growth and strong infrastructure of PFG, which today is the largest independent distributor in Australasia, accounting for 20% of tractor sales.

Dealers enjoyed a range of relaxing activities at the resort, including pro (and not-so-pro) golf games, and exchanged news and views with important guests from Ansung Korea and Yanmar Japan: Mr Yasuji Arima, CEO Yanmar Agricultural;  Mr Takeshi Terada, Snr. Manager, Yanmar Tractor Division;  Mr Tetsuro Sato, Asian/Australian Manager, Yanmar Agricultural;  Mr Jouji Noda, General Manager R&D, Yanmar Agricultural;  Mr Takashi Maruyama, Snr. Manager R&D Planning, Yanmar;  Mr K S Lim, Ansung, Korea; Mr Steve Kim, Ansung, Korea.           

Mr Takeshi Terada gave an impressive presentation on the history of Yanmar, which has produced top quality agricultural machinery for almost half a century and has been exporting tractors since 1975.

Founded in 1912, Yanmar is a global enterprise manufacturing products for many industries and producing the world’s No.1 diesel engine.  Renowned for its stringent quality control and exciting, environmentally aware R&D advances, Yanmar produced the world’s first power-shift transmission tractor in 1976, and the hydraulic mechanical transmission (HMT) tractor in 2006. 

Greg Clark, General Manager-Yanmar Australia, told delegates about a memorable two-week experience testing tractors in a sand-quarry during temperatures of 42 degrees. 

“We explored the extremes these tractors can go to, and we know we’ve got the right producer, the right models and the right applications for Australian requirements,” he said.

PFG’s John Millett, Jamie Odlum and Paul O’Connor explained the extensive parts and service network available for the new tractors.

Samurai and geisha-themes, crocodile and kangaroo appetisers, Australian wines and Japanese sake, all reflected the historic partnering of PFG and Yanmar Japan.

Marketing Manager, Karl Gawlik provided details of an exciting and creative promotional campaign to build awareness of the Yanmar range.

During an evening of festivities and fine food, delegates were entertained with humorous business anecdotes and useful marketing strategies from experienced motivational speaker, Martin Grunstein.

Mr Yasuji Arima spoke of the similarities between PFG and Yanmar Japan, in particular their primary focus of service and solutions, and the fact that both companies are still family-owned and from humble beginnings. 

“We are delighted by the great similarities in our aims and philosophies, and we believe PFG will be a powerful partner for Yanmar,” he said.  “We are committed to the long term in Australia.”

Mr Arima explained that the name ‘Yanmar’ came from the Japanese ‘yanmar tombo’ meaning ‘king of the dragonflies’, and was chosen because the dragonfly is a symbol of plentiful harvests.

The following morning, dealers were able to put Yanmar tractors and Ansung loaders through their paces at the ride-and-drive session.

Derek Lane, National Sales Manager-Yanmar Australia, explained the benefits of the TNV engine, which controls fuel consumption at 1/100-second increments and Dual Mode Control for high and low rpm needs, which ensures stable power output even with a sudden load increase.  Yanmar’s HMT continuously variable transmission combines the superior performance of step-free hydrostatic transmission with the high power transmission efficiency of planetary gear operations.  If necessary, the operator can also manually override HMT.

Grant Storey of Agpower, Victoria, summed up what many were saying: “We’re interested in the whole range, particularly the EG907 HMT – it’s an absolute winner.  The pricing is definitely competitive, the two-year/2000hr warranty is indicative of their confidence in the product, and why wouldn’t they be confident with this Japanese quality?  It’s like your Toyotas and Nissans, machines designed and built to go on forever.”

Geoff Maber, Executive Chairman of PFG, closed the conference on an optimistic note, describing the huge potential for Australian farmers today. 

“We understand your need for ultra-reliable products.  Like Yanmar Japan, we pride ourselves on a service and solutions philosophy.  Like you, we want to keep business simple, have fun, and make good returns.”

The signs are good for those “plentiful harvests”, with several dealers placing orders on the day.

For more information please contact:

Karl Gawlik

Marketing Manager

PFG Australia Pty Ltd.

03 9368 8888

0417 540 492

kgawlik@pfgaustralia.com.au