More than 150 dealers and sales managers attended Kubota's Expanding Horizons '08 national dealer conference held at the new premises at Truganina in the city's southwest.

The company says it will be "squarely targeting" the fast-growing lifestyle tractor segment with its new 2WD MX5100 machine which is attractively-priced from $26,600 (exc gst).

An additional two new models in this important sales bracket, namely the 33kW (44hp) L4400 and the 25.5kW (34hp) L3400, feature hydrostatic transmissions for enhanced drivability and performance.

The historic occasion saw top Japanese officials from Kubota Corporation officiate at the opening ceremony, including executive vice president Mr Hayashi, corporation president Mr Hatakake and managing director Hiromi Nakanishi.