European Road Show 2024: A Journey of Connection and Innovation
The John Deere Power Systems (JDPS) 2024 European Road Show ignited excitement as it embarked on its journey across Europe. A striking John Deere-branded truck, equipped with the latest Next Generation industrial engines, toured the continent—offering original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) the opportunity to experience innovation firsthand. At each stop visitors eagerly explored the engines, engaged in discussions, and immersed themselves in all aspects of the latest advancements from John Deere, from engine technology to customer support strategies.
The Road Show Journey
The truck set off in the first week of March, turning many heads as it rolled across Europe. Spanning seven countries and attracting over 100 OEM attendees, its journey extended from the sunny Mediterranean to the chilly north of Finland, covering the following locations:
- Ostbevern (Münster), Germany, on March 6, welcomed by NPS Driven GmbH
- Linz, Austria, on March 12, hosted by RAMA GmbH
- Reggio Emilia, Italy, on March 14, also hosted by RAMA S.p.A
- Coslada (Madrid), Spain, on March 21, welcomed by TDMED S.L.
- Saran, France, on March 26 and 27, with the John Deere factory welcoming 400 employees
- Le Mans, France, on April 3 and 4, managed by NPS Driven SAS
- Across Sweden from April 9 to 18, hosted by DPower at four locations
- Tampere, Finland, on April 24, welcomed by West Diesel Engineering Oy, to conclude the journey
Revving Up Enthusiasm
At the heart of the road show was the dynamic collaboration between JDPS and its European distributors. Their mission was to ensure that the event was valuable and memorable for every participant.
While the distributors invited current and potential OEM customers and prepared a warm welcome at their respective venues, JDPS handled the logistics of the truck and industrial engines. The spacious 54 x 8-foot (16.5 x 2.5-meter) trailer, complete with 430 square feet (40 square meters) of slide-out panels and a tent, showcased the JD4 and JD18 engines and provided a presentation area for up to 25 guests. To ensure that everyone could participate equally, all presentations and Q&A sessions were conducted in the local language.
Innovations for Optimal Performance and Uptime
The presentations covered all areas related to power, from the advanced features of the Next Generation industrial engines (JD4, JD9, JD14, and JD18) to exploring renewable fuels, such as hydrotreated vegetable Oil (HVO) and renewable diesel. Presenters also highlighted aftermarket and customer support topics, including distributor network expansions, spare parts supply strategies, and John Deere Connected Support™. This innovative remote diagnostics feature enables end customers and OEMs to shift from reactive to proactive maintenance, supporting maximum uptime and equipment profitability. Q&A sessions after each presentation gave attendees ample opportunity to ask questions and share their thoughts before proceeding to the next topic.
Meeting High Expectations
In each location, attendees—technical, operations, after-sales, and sales managers—actively engaged in the conversation. Expectations were high. Most visitors were eager to learn about the latest advancements in John Deere engine technology and evaluate how these new models could fit into their current and future equipment. Questions focused on integration, real-world performance testing, customization options like mounting brackets and cooling solutions, and ongoing technical support and training provided by the JDPS distributor and dealer network.
Amidst these discussions, it became apparent that the new engine models exceeded expectations by addressing essential needs effectively. The JD18 in particular emerged as a preferred choice for heavy-duty applications. The lack of aftertreatment, along with such features as rear gear trains offering increased flexibility for auxiliary power and overhead cams for improved fuel economy, garnered significant interest. Additionally, the addition of John Deere Connected Support further enhanced its appeal.
"John Deere Connected Support helps OEMs proactively plan maintenance activities to maximize uptime and ease the burden on OEM and end customer tech personnel," says Jimmy Otter, industrial sales manager at DPower. "Its seamless integration with existing engines and complimentary inclusion with new ones make it a game-changer."
Markus Zachl, after sales manager at Rubble Master, echoes this sentiment. "We consistently aim for our customers to achieve maximum productivity with our equipment and believe John Deere Connected Support can be a valuable addition to our own telematics system," says Zachl. "We're already encouraging our customers to upgrade their John Deere-powered machinery in the field with this solution."
OEM customers across Europe found significant value in the event. "As an OEM, we found the John Deere event incredibly valuable for expanding our knowledge of new products and receiving training on the John Deere range," says Fernando Lebrero Salvatierra of AECOMHEL S.L. in Spain. "It would be great if such events continued in the future due to their technical and commercial contributions. We appreciate the kind invitation and look forward to future collaborations."
A Road Show Fueled by Collaboration
The Road Show was all about highlighting the dedication John Deere has to keeping equipment running and ensuring customers' long-term success.
"OEMs' needs are constantly evolving, and while trade shows offer connections, they lack the time for in-depth conversations," says Philippe Contault, manager of distributor communications at JDPS. "The Road Show, through open and honest discussions, allows us to stay in touch with customers' evolving needs and provide solutions that help them achieve their goals."
Distributors were happy to work with JDPS on this successful event.
"It has been a pleasure to welcome all guests to Road Show 2024," says Paolo Coccolini, managing director of RAMA S.p.A. "We are grateful for the enthusiasm and support shown, and we are confident that this experience has been both interesting and fascinating for all who participated."
Reflecting on the event's success, Thomas Polenske, sales manager at NPS Driven GmbH, adds, "It was the first Road Show for NPS Driven in Germany. We are happy to look back on a successful event where we had very good discussions about drive technology and John Deere Connected Support and were also able to strengthen customer loyalty."
