CONTACT: Paul Lay
 Manager, Public Relations & Communications
 + 44 (0)2476 851209
 E-mail:  paullay@uk.agcocorp.com

In a major strategic move, AGCO is launching new ranges of wheeled tractors, combines, hay equipment and sprayers under its Challenger brand for selected markets in Eastern and Central Europe, Africa and the Middle East. The machines are to be sold through the agricultural divisions of Caterpillar distributors.

“The new Challenger models will significantly strengthen AGCO’s presence in these territories and satisfy the growing demand from large-scale professional customers for a broader range of products from the Challenger stable,” says  Michael Cully, Challenger Director Sales and Marketing EAME. “

In Western Europe, where other AGCO farm machinery brands predominate, Challenger will continue to focus its distribution on the existing high performance tracked tractor range”.

Challenger’s tie-up with the agricultural divisions of Caterpillar dealers in parts of Central and Eastern Europe to sell and service the new machines mirrors Challenger’s distribution organisation in North America.

 “In a highly successful partnership, we now have a network of 45 CAT dealers with over 350 outlets in North America selling the full line of Challenger products,” explains Michael Cully.

“Similar agreements with CAT dealers in central and Eastern Europe will ensure our newly-launched high quality products have the industry-leading support that comes as standard with the Challenger brand.”

Challenger’s new machine introductions include wheeled tractors from 83-290 hp, conventional and rotary combines, a large rectangular baler and self-propelled sprayers and applicators.

Worldwide, the Challenger brand is experiencing strong growth with sales up 18% to $283m in 2004.

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AGCO Corporation, headquartered in Duluth, Georgia, is a global designer, manufacturer and distributor of agricultural equipment and related replacement parts.  AGCO products are distributed in more than 140 countries.  AGCO offers a full product line including tractors, combines, hay tools, sprayers, forage, tillage equipment and implements through more than 8900 independent dealers and distributors around the world.  AGCO products are distributed under the brand names AGCOÒ, Agco AllisÒ, AgcoStarÒ, ChallengerÒ, FarmhandÒ, FendtÒ, FieldstarÒ, GleanerÒ, GlencoeÒ, HesstonÒ, LOR*ALÒ, Massey FergusonÒ, New IdeaÒ, RoGatorÒ, SisuDieselä, Soilteqä, Spra CoupeÒ, SunflowerÒ, TerraGatorÒ, TyeÒ, ValtraÒ, Whiteä, and WillmarÒ.  AGCO provides retail financing through AGCO Finance in North America and through Agricredit in Australia, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, and Brazil.  In 2003, AGCO had net sales of $3.5 billion.
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Please visit out websites at www.agcocorp.com and www.challenger-AG.com