Zetor reveals unprecedented product development
A significant increase in research and development spending at tractor manufacturer Zetor will see the launch of a host of new models to extend the brand’s existing offering during the next three years.
Following hot on the heals of the Zetor Crystal, which was introduced in the middle of this year, the Czech Republic-based company will bring a new high-power model approaching 200hp to the market, as well as a new tractor at the other end of the range with 40 to 50hp.
Speaking at a press briefing held at Zetor’s Brno factory, the brand’s sales and marketing director, Adam Žert, outlined the scale of the investment that had been made in recent years.
“Zetor continuously invests in the development and implementation of new tractor models and has more than doubled research and development spending from €2 million to €5 million between 2010 and 2014, and has increased investment in sales and marketing support from €150,000 to €3 million in the same period,” he said. “Development of new models is key for us, and we have increased the number of employees in this department by 83% in the past five years.”
The new developments that Mr Žert outlined will see the Zetor range grow from just two core models – the Proxima and Forterra – in 2012, to six by 2018. This process began with the successful roll-out of the Zetor Major during 2013, and continued with the introduction of the Zetor Crystal this year. The two new, as yet unnamed, models will follow in the next three years.
“We will launch a new three-cylinder model that’s smaller than the Major,” Mr Žert added, “and a new model larger than the Crystal that will be less than 200hp. But there will also be more developments of our existing tractors.
“The Zetor Major line-up will be extended with models featuring a new transmission option, as will the Crystal as its current gearbox is rated at 160hp and a new unit will be introduced for higher-horsepower models.”
Mr Žert also revealed that Zetor would be attending Agritechnica 2015, taking place at Hannover, Germany, from November 10-14. It’s understood that the brand will present a prototype of its new high-power model, as well as other tractors from the current range.
The high-profile show presence (Hall 7, Stand C13) will also see the company launch celebrations for its 70th anniversary year in 2016, and increase efforts to build its European dealer network.
UK developments
Zetor UK’s sales and marketing manager, Maros Karabinos, provided an update on the brand’s British presence where there are now 41 dealers covering England, Scotland and Wales. These are now supported by four Service and Display Centres: in Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Sussex in England; and Angus in Scotland.
Other initiatives to drive sales in Great Britain included an increased number of demo units available to dealers and Zetor’s own retail salesmen based at the Service and Display Centres; a continuation of the popular Zetor Demo Days that allow existing an potential customers to see the brand’s tractors at work; and enhanced finance offers for customers buying Zetor tractors.
Information on the brand’s tractors and the deals on offer are available from any dealer, or from Zetor UK’s Retail Sales Line on 08006 771414.