The news comes as a tactical move to support the company’s plans of becoming a global major brand, Australia and NZ managing director George Koto said.
“The expansion into higher horsepower tractors and implements coupled with expanding agriculture, lifestyle, construction and power equipment ranges has predicated the change of our business model in this market.”
Kubota has had a partnership with Norwood, which have represented the Kubota brand in NZ, for almost 40 years.
“Our NZ entity has been fortunate to retain the nine former Norwood staff who were dedicated to the brand so our dealers will enjoy continuity of representation as we make this change.”
Koto said he is looking forward to continuing the relationship with Norwood and its network of dealerships.
“Our objective is to streamline processes, offer increased product ranges, higher inventory levels and dedicated sales and marketing support.”
Kubota NZ is based in Palmerston North with plans to open a new office precinct and full training facility in the area in December.
The company’s business development manager Ian Massicks said the launch was a 14-month process.
“That was to ensure that our customers didn’t experience any drop in service.”
Palmerston North is a logical location, he said.
“We’re positioned close to the Norwood business and our transport agent Palmerston Transport.”
Massicks acknowledged Norwood’s work with Kubota through the transition and said he looked forward to continuing the relationship into the future.
“They’ll be our largest dealer in NZ,” he said.
Last month Kubota NZ and Norwood jointly hosted a launch event at Highlands Motorsport Park in Cromwell.
New Kubota construction equipment models were unveiled, including the SVL65-2 compact track loader and the R430 wheel loader. Meantime, dealers, media and guests were given the chance to test-drive Kubota NZ’s new M7-2 and the M5-1 tractor range.
Kubota’s RTV-XG850 was also put through its paces on a four-wheel-drive course.
Kubota NZ is a subsidiary of Kubota Corporation, a multi-national company headquartered in Osaka, Japan, which employs more than 35,000 people worldwide and its products are distributed across 31 countries.
Luke Chivers’ travel was funded by Kubota NZ.
