CNH Industrial goes direct in NZ

CNH Industrial will end its New Zealand wholesale partnership with CB Norwood in 2022 - instead working direct with Case IH and New Holland dealers

From July 2022, CNH Industrial will distribute its own brands, including Case IH and New Holland, to dealers across New Zealand – forgoing its existing agreement with CB Norwood. 

The company will not be opening new dealerships in New Zealand. 

In a statement, CB Norwood said the arrangement would not impact its retail operations.

“The company’s sales, parts, service and warranty support for New Holland and Case IH tractors, harvesters and equipment will continue as normal. So, it’s business as usual for Norwood customers,” it says.

CB Norwood chief executive Tim Myers says the change reflects a global trend in how original equipment manufacturers have started taking their products to market. 

“With CNH Industrial managing wholesale supply and distribution, we’re able to focus on best-in-class customer experiences,” he says.

“As well as selling and servicing world-class agricultural machinery, we’re better positioned to front foot the changes in farming with technology-led products and services, so we can be genuine partners that support farmers, in what are frankly uncertain times.”

CNH Industrial managing director – Australia and New Zealand, Brandon Stannett, says the change will improve its supply chain efficiencies and help it get closer to customers and its dealer network. 

“The chance to go direct to the New Zealand market via the existing dealer network, and to be able to participate more closely in this dynamic and growing market, is exciting to all of us at CNH Industrial,” Stannett says.

“Norwood has a long and proud history in the New Zealand agricultural industry, and we thank them for their commitment to our Case IH and New Holland brands for many years, (over 17 years of which as distributor) and we wish them well into the future. 

“We appreciate Norwood’s ongoing commitment to Case IH and New Holland dealerships, and their customers, which will continue until the transition process is finalised mid next year. We will continue to explore the opportunities to build on the strong relationship with Norwood from a retail footprint perspective.”

During the transition process, existing agreements and processes will remain unchanged with no disruptions passed onto the client.

Service and warranty arrangements will also be fully catered for. 

“Our intention is for a seamless transition with a renewed emphasis for customers on delivery efficiencies, service, capital, parts supply and support,” Stannett says.