From the 2000s to the present day, CLAAS has opened a new chapter in its history, focusing on global presence, high-tech developments, and customizable agricultural solutions. Today, the company is known not just as a harvesting technology specialist, but as an international agricultural technology player.
The Birth of Its Own Tractor: Takeover of Renault Agriculture
In 2002, an unexpected opportunity arose for CLAAS: the Renault Agriculture tractor factory went up for sale. In 2003, Helmut Claas and Patrick Faure signed the agreement at the Sima exhibition in France, through which CLAAS gradually took over the Le Mans tractor factory entirely. The Renault orange turned light green, and CLAAS was finally able to offer its own tractor on the market, transforming from a harvesting specialist into an international longliner.
New Production Capacities Around the World
In the 21st century, CLAAS's international presence expanded further:
- Russia, Krasnodar (2005-2006): In 2005, CLAAS opened a combine harvester factory to serve the local market and produce machines tailored to regional harvesting needs.
- China, Gaomi (2014-): CLAAS became the majority owner of the manufacturer Shandong Jinyee, and at its Gaomi facility, it produces corn and wheat harvesting machines for the Chinese market under its own CLAAS and CHUNYU brand names.
These steps not only expanded production but also strengthened CLAAS's global supply and service network.
Digital and Smart Solutions
In 2017, CLAAS founded the E-Systems subsidiary in Dissen, a center for electrical engineering and digital development that creates the modern agricultural solutions of the future. This direction forms the foundation of precision farming and digital harvesting systems.
New Combine Harvester Generations: LEXION and TRION
- 2019 - LEXION 8800: CLAAS reinvented its flagship combine harvester, which delivered 25% higher harvesting performance and offers a wide range of LEXION 8700-8900 models for farmers.
- 2021 - TRION 530: The TRION series set a new standard in its category. The 5-6 straw walker, rotary, and double-rotor hybrid combine harvesters, along with the TERRA TRAC and MONTANA variants, ensure maximum customizability for any farm. The TRION motto is: "Fits your farm."
New XERION - The Pinnacle of Tractors
In 2023, CLAAS introduced the XERION 12 series, which stands out among the highest performance category tractors. The features of the new models include:
- Low-engine speed, highly efficient 2.0 drive concept
- CEMOS assistance system to support machine operation
- Up to 537 l/min peak hydraulic output
- Spacious, 4-point suspended cab
- TERRA TRAC variant with damped crawler track assemblies
These developments provide higher returns, traction, and comfort, thus CLAAS has once again elevated tractor and combine harvester development to the global forefront.
CLAAS - The Symbol of Continuous Innovation
The history of CLAAS is about continuous expansion, innovation, and global presence: from a family workshop to an international agricultural technology company. In the 21st century, the company offers not only machines but also smart and customized solutions for modern agriculture.
