BRITS TO CAPTURE 10% OF INDIAN TRACTOR MARKET
(6 February 2004)

Trantor(r) Vehicles Ltd, a small innovative tractor designer and manufacturer in Lancashire, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with HMT Limited, one of the leading tractor manufacturers in India - thanks to UK Trade & Investment. Under the agreement, HMT will manufacture Trantor Vehicles' tractors in its 850-acres Pinjore-Haryana factory complex in India and sell them through its 400 dealers across the subcontinent. The partnership is expected to capture 10% of the Indian tractor market.

Mike O'Brien, Minister for International Trade and Investment, said, "Trantor Vehicles is a success story that I came across on my recent visit to India. Companies both here and in the subcontinent are striving to build upon the longstanding commercial relationship. It is important to seize opportunities for successful partnerships with Indian companies."

The company's products - Trantors - are the world's first transport-oriented tractors featuring a range of two and four wheel-drive with fully suspended axles in 60 - 130 horsepower. In addition to the driver, there is capacity to carry six passengers.

Graham Edwards, chairman of Trantor Vehicles said, "For over 30 years, we have been researching farming activities across the world in order to develop tractors that will enhance farmers' efficiency and reduce costs. Trantors are the solution because they travel faster (maximum speed of over 45mph), use less fuel and are more comfortable than conventional tractors. This multi-purpose design means that Trantors are suitable for use in day-to-day transport, not only in the fields.

"India is the largest tractor market in the world after China, with a market size around 20 times that of the UK. It is also the market where tractors are used as a means of transport more than anywhere else," added Mr Edwards.

In June 2003, an UK Trade & Investment export promoter led an Indian delegation to visit Trantor Vehicles' operations in Wigan, Lancashire. Through commercial staff at the UK Trade & Investment team in India, contacts were made that eventually led to HMT initiating discussions with the company.

"Our success has demonstrated the value of UK Trade & Investment and explained how the government can help businesses like us. It is largely due to the knowledge and professionalism of staff at UK Trade & Investment that we are put in touch with our potential partner. This is an 'arranged marriage' between HMT and us by UK Trade & Investment," added Mr Edwards.

Trantor Vehicles was a winner of the SMART (Small Firm Merit Award for Research and Technology) award of the Department of Trade and Industry in 2001 and 2002.

ABOUT UK TRADE & INVESTMENT

UK Trade & Investment is the government organisation that provides integrated support services for UK companies engaged in overseas trade and foreign businesses focused on the UK as an inward investment location. It brings together the work of teams in 200 British embassies and FCO posts overseas and government departments across Whitehall. In England, UK Trade & Investment services are delivered through the 45 Business Links and other partners including Regional Development Agencies and Chambers of Commerce, coordinated by nine regional International Trade Directors. For more information visit the web site www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk