INTERVIEW | Kubota Sets Sights on US, Europe with High-Quality Tractors Made in India

このページを日本語で読む

Kubota, a leading heavy machinery maker, plans to export Indian-made tractors under its own brand by the next mid-term management plan (2026–2030). President Yuichi Kitao revealed this in an interview with The Sankei Shimbun and JAPAN Forward on March 10.

Currently, Kubota exports tractors made by Escorts Limited, a major Indian agricultural machinery maker it acquired in 2022, to markets such as Africa. However, the company aims to improve quality and begin exporting higher-end Kubota-branded tractors to regions including Europe and the United States.

Competing in the US Market

Due to factors such as emissions regulations, Escorts-made tractors are currently limited to India and parts of Africa. Kitao expressed his ambitions, stating, "We want to incorporate Kubota's quality into models that leverage India's low-cost supply network and export them to Europe and the US."

Kubota has been struggling with its small tractor business in the US, which has been a key driver of its performance. For the fiscal year ending December 2025, the company expects net profit to decline 14.9% year-on-year to ¥196 billion. Meanwhile, South Korean manufacturers are gaining market share with lower-priced products. To stay competitive, Kubota aims to develop cost-effective, high-quality tractors in India.

Water Infrastructure

In response to the recent road collapse in Yashio, Saitama Prefecture, Kubota is also enhancing its water infrastructure business. "We aim to reduce repair costs by improving damage forecasting and shortening design and construction times," Kitao said.

Starting in April, the company will introduce an AI-based system to identify areas at high risk of water supply disruptions. Kubota will continue advancing its technology to support local governments.

As chairman of the Japan Water Works Association, Kitao also aims to "advocate for increased municipal budgets at the national level."