John Deere revs up in India

Deere & Co. has completed all legal requirements to form a joint venture in India between its Worldwide Construction & Forestry Division and Ashok Leyland, the flagship of the Hinduja Group. Financial terms have not been disclosed.

The venture will be named "Ashok Leyland John Deere Construction Equipment Company Private Limited." Initially, it will manufacture backhoes and four-wheel-drive loaders and will market backhoes, four-wheel-drive loaders and excavators that will be sold in India and exported to other markets. The company plans to provide a full line of construction equipment in the future.

The agreement was first announced in September 2008.

Ashok Leyland has a broad dealer network throughout India and is the second largest manufacturer of commercial vehicles in that country.