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Post by me@spamblock.com on Mar 13, 2002 23:39:37 GMT 1
Just suppose Ford was to buy back the Basildon plant (TS & TM series) and then do a link up with Claas to get a range of machinery to broaden the brand.
That would give a good spread of horsepower from the TS range to the Xerion range.
Work with Valmet to co-develop the next generation tractors (and engines) and you get a solid base going forward for all concerned.
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Post by Woodbeef on Mar 14, 2002 1:14:37 GMT 1
Interesting idea. But why not also resurrect the older Ford tractors too, down to 35 hp or so while you are at it..
Biggest hole is the over 190 hp tractors though. Or would you just make the Xerion to fit there.
Steyr might be a better partner though. They seem to be getting lost in the CNH red-tape. It would be a crying shame to see this marque disappear,along with its technology and dependability. Afterall the current Sisu line is from the Valmet/Steyr joint venture of the mid-to late 80s.Valtra seems to be humming along quite nicely under their own steam presently.
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Post by me@spamblock.com on Mar 14, 2002 2:46:19 GMT 1
The Steyr idea makes good sense. The Basildon tractors are good dependable mid range machines, but Steyr would bring the cutting edge "Fendt factor" to the equation. I'm supposing that the Xerion range would get blended in above the TM190. You also have the option of buying back the Versatile operation in Winnipeg to do a more cost effective high-horse range. Below the TS range, the last Ford models (30 series) are old technology. I think a new range would have to be developed, or bought in. Here's another thought; Suppose Claas were to buy Steyr from a floundering CNH? This would highlight the Claas-Valmet and Steyr-Valmet relationships and who knows where it would lead. World Domination  ?? It wouldn't make Woodbeef's bank manager happy, that's for sure. He'd want one in every colour, including metallic!! :-) |
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Post by JoeinTX on Mar 14, 2002 5:34:10 GMT 1
While it seems that Claas will have the Challenger for a little while to come there's certainly no guarantee there. Of course they officially deny it, but Claas is feeling like a jilted lover over the Cat/AGCO thing. I think it was more than just business to them...it may have gotten a little personal. A cooperation with Valtra appears to be the most reasonable project for them, however, Valtra seems to love its independence and it may fear any type of tie in to anyone who has the power to potentially buy them up. Like mentioned before a drowning in debt CNH might look to earn a little hard, quick money by selling one of its off to Claas. As Woodbeef mentioned, Steyr has really gotten the raw end of this deal. Could it be that CNH really doesn't have any plans for them after all? Possibly any ideas they had in regard to Steyr have been pushed way back in the face of their money woes? But since we're just speculating here......What about Buehler? Newly independent, looking for customers, a good amount of production capacity, and a range of equipment that fits right into the Claas-Challenger line. Claas has a whole spankin' new combine factory all to themselves in Omaha, they might be looking for friends in North America. A cooperative agreement would benefit them both by giving Claas the expanded tractor line that they need at a reasonable price and also by giving Buehler a needed injection of money. A little Claas money could go a long ways to helping Buehler bring out a new line of equipment in a couple of years. Sold together they would really complement each other and we aren't even talking about Europe yet. What do ya think?
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Post by Woodbeef on Mar 14, 2002 13:48:00 GMT 1
Yes,a Steyr,Claas,Ford,Buhler congolemeration might just work. Wonder what they'd call it though.......
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Post by leemsutton on Mar 14, 2002 19:22:11 GMT 1
simply call it CLAAS!! because thats what it would be pure class!
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Post by Laapa on Mar 15, 2002 8:20:29 GMT 1
Hmmm, Steyr,Claas,Ford,Buhler ehh...
Bringing back Ford into the ag-equation. Wonder if they are interested really....
Another thing, if we get Steyr,Claas,Ford,Buhler(,Valtra?) to go to bed with each other, sure we'd get a bigger company and they might be able to cus some costs.
But, and I think I've posted on this line of thinking before, they'd still be very small fish in the JD/CNH/CAT pond. And we have seen before how bigger is not always better economicaly. I think the independents still have some advantages to gain from being just that. Small independents.
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