Following new agreements established with the local government, new production areas have been recently developed with the aim of further improving CNH’s activity in Uzbekistan as a strategic position in the Central Asia countries.

CNH has just initiated the first extensive tractor production operations at its Tashkent plant, which includes new areas for welding cabs, assembly line and Customer Quality Audits. The new areas are aimed at the production of new ranges of tractors in the 80 - 130 horsepower segment while assuring the best levels of quality and reliability for all products. The new TL New Holland tractors have already rolled off the upgraded assembly line, while additional new models are planned to enter production later in 2009. This hp segment represents a high potential opportunity in the market, being by far the largest TIV segment.

In addition to the new production areas, CNH has recently refurbished and restructured its Parts Depot to further strengthen the level of service for the farmers provided through 13 Service Centers distributed across Uzbekistan.

"We are the first global agricultural equipment company to locate and strengthen operations in Uzbekistan. We have been operating in this country since 1993; more than 6,000 of our machines (tractors, combines, cotton pickers, planters, etc.) are helping farmers in their jobs. The introduction of the new TL tractor at our plant in Tashkent has necessitated investment for the localization of key components and the service provided by our specialists that number more than 240 in the country, and who are the key for the success of our operations," said Franco Fusignani, responsible of CNH International SA.

The plant has progressively consolidated its infrastructure and today houses key processes in welding, painting and assembly. The site includes the manufacturing area, office space and a training centre and showroom. Spare parts availability is ensured thanks to the new 3,600 m2 Parts Depot Centre and 13 service centers, each of them with parts availability.

"Following the considerable volume of New Holland and Case IH combines and big tractors operating in the market, today more than the 60% of the country’s crops are cultivated by our machines and I am proud of this," added Franco Fusignani, during the delivery ceremony of the first 120 tractors to farmers.

In addition to manufacturing and service activities, CNH operations in Uzbekistan also include leasing operations, all of which are of fundamental importance in CNH’s business in order to provide quality products and the right service for the customer.

CNH is a world leader in the agricultural and construction equipment businesses. Supported by about 11,500 dealers in 160 countries, CNH brings together the knowledge and heritage of its Case and New Holland brand families with the strength and resources of its worldwide commercial, industrial, product support and finance organizations. CNH Global N.V., whose stock is listed at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), is a majority-owned subsidiary of Fiat S.p.A.