Tractor manufacturer Zetor is continuing on its drive to break into new markets around the globe.
The latest country to get a visit from the Czech company is Kenya; the current tour includes 23 stops all over the developing territory.
“Zetor is new to Kenya and our sales strategy requires paying attention to spreading knowledge about the brand and the tractors,” said Prakash Shah from the newly-appointed Zetor distributor there.
“Under such circumstances, convincing farmers that purchasing our tractors is a good idea involves presenting them with the tractors and allowing them to test the tractors. This is the major aim of the so-called Zetor Tractor Show.”
Ongoing roadshows are designed to allow visitors to test the tractors in different types of field work.
“Purchasing a new tractor here is expensive. Major and Proxima model ranges, which are now offered in Kenya, are convenient in road maintenance; therefore, we also invite different officers to the events,” said Shah. He added: “First reactions are very positive; Zetor tractors are viewed as premium [units] offering the ideal combination of power and robustness.
The country grows a significant area of sugar cane, corn and exotic flowers, which are typically exported to Europe. Annually, up to 900 tractors are sold in Kenya – of which 50% are within the 80-100hp range.
Thus far, only 50 Zetor tractors have been exported to that country. The first 25 were delivered in 1965; the rest in 1997.
Since then, Kenya has become the fifth country in Africa that Zetor has targeted – following Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Zambia.
Closer to home
Closer to home, Irish Zetor distributor – McHale Plant Sales – recently appointed Gerry Rabbitte as its countrywide sales representative for the Czech-built tractors.
Rabbitte, who is from Athenry, Co. Galway, will be based at the company’s offices at the Greenogue Industrial Estate, Rathcoole, Co. Dublin.
Rabbitte has considerable experience in farm machinery sales – which he brings to the role – having represented several tractor and farm machinery brands previously, both at home and abroad.
