Chrysler 2009 Annual Report Download - page 99

REPORT ON
OPERATIONS
OPERATING
PERFORMANCE
BY SECTOR
98
CNH market share improved in Latin America for both light and heavy segments, while North America was
stable. Share declined for both segments in Rest-of-World (where CNH has a limited presence) and Western
Europe, in a highly competitive environment driven by aggressive destocking.
As a result of continued weak trading conditions in the global construction equipment market, CNH has
undertaken a thorough review of the positioning of its brands and undertaken a series of actions to reduce
operating costs and strengthen the competitiveness of its product portfolio. Reorganization of the internal
management structure has been completed and the workforce reduced to reflect current conditions.
At the beginning of October, CNH and KAMAZ (the leading heavy truck manufacturer in Russia and one of the
largest globally) signed a letter of intent to form an industrial and commercial alliance that will further strengthen
CNH’s leading position in Russia’s agricultural and construction equipment sectors. Under the agreement, the
two companies will set up an industrial joint venture whose initial objective will be the local production of CNH
agricultural and construction equipment for distribution in Russia. Production is scheduled to commence in
2010. The two companies will also integrate their respective sales networks that will distribute the full range of
CNH products (both locally-produced and imported) in the Russian Federation.
INNOVATION AND PRODUCTS
Case IH Agriculture expanded its Magnum tractor range in North America with the release of the new 180-
225 hp continuously variable transmission (CVT) Magnum. Also presented were the Maxxum 110-140, updated
to include a multi-control armrest, new A-pillar instrumentation and restyled hood and an upgraded version of
the Puma (125-192 hp).
Three new models in the Farmall line of compact tractors with continuously variable transmission were launched
in North America and the Quantum N and V specialty tractors in Rest-of-World markets. The brand also entered
the all-terrain-vehicle (ATV) market with the launch of the Case IH Scout XL.
Case IH released a basic model sugar cane harvester, developed to mechanize the sector in Africa, India and
China, as well as the Austoft 8000 series, which offers a 35% increase in cutting power and electronic ground
drive with cruise control.
New Holland Agriculture launched the T7000 series Auto CommandTM tractors (167-225 hp) in Europe
and North America designed for large-scale agricultural producers and contract operators. The range features
a new continuously variable transmission that optimizes engine performance and operating costs.
The brand introduced the TD4000F orchard tractors in Europe and the TDF series designed for application
in olive groves, vineyards and landscaping. In India, three tractor models were launched in the TT tractor line,
ranging in power from 35 to 50 hp and in 2-wheel and 4-wheel drive versions. In Latin America, the brand
launched the 75 hp TT4030 standard tractor, ideal for small and mid-sized farms.
Also launched during the year was the new T6000 Range & Power Command series of tractors, with increased
power ratings, and including the T6090 which has the best power-to-weight ratio in its category. New Holland
also introduced the new Workmaster 45/55 series in North America, which includes a four-wheel-drive model
and forward/reverse synchronized shuttle. The Boomer range added the 3000 Series CAB with EasyDrive
continuously variable transmission.