New John Deere MD for UK and Ireland

New tractor registrations rise 13% in July

The latest figures from the FTMTA Statistics Service show that 255 new tractors were registered for the July, an increase of 13.3% over the same month in 2013.

The overall year-to-date figures for new tractor registrations now stands at 1,564 units, an increase of 4% over the same period in 2013.

The FTMTA Statistics Service is predicting a total market of close to 1,950 new tractors for the full year, based on the current market movements. The figures also show a continuing trend towards increased tractor power, with tractors in the 121hp to 150hp band increasing month on month.

While the biggest selling tractor power sector is between 100hp and 120hp, which accounts for over 43% of all new registrations, the 121hp to 150hp sector is now accounting for over 20% of new tractor registrations.

FTMTA AGM

In focusing on the area of training during his recent address to the FTMTA AGM, the association’s president, Conor Breen, said: “We need to produce better-qualified people to work within, and help to grow, our industry and our individual businesses into the future.’’

FTMTA is working on the development of a radical refocusing of the training of new service people coming into the sector and the president said that he believes this initiative is making progress.”

The FTMTA president said: “The area of cashflow within the sector continues to be of importance and at a time of increasing activity in workshops and on parts counters is particularly deserving of close attention. To this end, I call on all member firms to continue to implement the FTMTA ProDealer credit policy.”

In highlighting the importance of effective representation for the sector, Breen emphasised the work done by FTMTA in relation to the continued registration of tractors containing Stage IIIA engines in late 2013 as a clear illustration of the benefits of a representative body. The outcome obtained by FTMTA on that occasion, through negotiation with the authorities, prevented potentially serious financial consequences and such a result was only possible through the involvement of a trade association.