Escorts Kubota reports 10% drop in tractor sales in October

According to data from the National Statistical Committee of Uzbekistan, the export of fruits and vegetables from Uzbekistan decreased by 10.9% year-on-year, reaching a volume of 1.299.1 million US dollars for the period from January to September 2026.

Over the nine-month period, the country exported 1,560.6 thousand tons of fruits and vegetables, which is 3.0% less than the previous year, or 48.2 thousand tons less. In the same period in 2025, exports reached 1,608.9 thousand tons worth 1.457.4 million US dollars.

Fruits and vegetables accounted for 5.0% of Uzbekistan's total exports for the reporting period. Fruit exports reached 393.0 thousand tons worth 445.2 million US dollars, compared to 413.7 thousand tons worth 489.2 million US dollars the previous year.

Grape exports brought in 123.0 million US dollars through shipments of 151.6 thousand tons. In the corresponding period in 2025, Uzbekistan exported 150.7 thousand tons of grapes worth 145.6 million US dollars. Peach exports showed growth in both volume and value: shipments increased from 111.5 to 119.9 thousand tons, and export revenues grew from 105.1 million to 116.8 million US dollars.

Export of dried grape bunches decreased to 63.2 thousand tons worth 74.2 million US dollars, and sweet cherry shipments fell to 25.2 thousand tons worth 59.9 million US dollars. Export of dried plum decreased to 20.6 thousand tons worth 38.1 million US dollars. Shipments of dried apricots also decreased to 12.5 thousand tons, although export revenue increased from 31.8 million to 33.1 million US dollars.

In contrast, vegetable exports showed growth in both volume and value. Shipment volume increased from 493.8 to 557.2 thousand tons, and export revenues grew from 172.1 million to 206.2 million US dollars. Among vegetables, onions accounted for 317.3 thousand tons, bringing in 92.4 million US dollars. Cabbage shipments amounted to 139.8 thousand tons worth 55.1 million US dollars, and tomato exports reached 34.2 thousand tons worth 35.5 million US dollars.

Carrot exports amounted to 59.8 thousand tons worth 13.4 million US dollars, and garlic shipments reached 6.1 thousand tons worth 9.8 million US dollars. Exports of melons and watermelons decreased from 229.2 to 206.3 thousand tons, but their export value increased to 64.7 million US dollars compared to 56.5 million US dollars the previous year.

Additionally, Uzbekistan exported 16.7 thousand tons of peanuts and nuts worth 38.8 million US dollars, as well as 36.8 thousand tons of mung beans worth 34.7 million US dollars. The total export of other fruits and vegetables amounted to 350.6 thousand tons worth 509.4 million US dollars, which is lower than the figure of 418.0 thousand tons worth 659.2 million US dollars in the same period in 2025.

Overall, Uzbekistan's total exports for January-September 2026 reached 25.8 billion US dollars, a decrease of 5.5% year-on-year. Nevertheless, commodity exports excluding gold increased by 31.6% to 13.3 billion US dollars for the same period.

Porsche has adopted a strategy to reduce sales volume, aiming to maximize the profit obtained from each vehicle sold. The German automaker is developing 15 unique, bespoke automobiles, with values potentially reaching R$ 81 million.

Furthermore, the company offers restoration services for classic models, such as the Carrera GT, produced between 2003 and 2006. For this supercar, refurbishment costs can reach R$ 4.3 million.

These details were disclosed by Alexander Fabig, who holds the position of Vice President of Personalization and Classics at Porsche, during an interview given to Automotive News magazine.

This strategic shift occurs amid declining profits, pressure from import tariffs, intense competition in the Chinese market, and high expenses related to the brand's electrification. In the first nine months of 2026, Porsche deliveries registered a 16% drop, totaling 178,532 vehicles.

Given this scenario, the company's goal is to lower its break-even point—that is, the minimum sales volume required to avoid losses—to below 200,000 cars annually.

The unique vehicles, termed 'one-offs', are managed by the Sonderwunsch division, which means 'special wish' in German. The prices of these cars range from just under R$ 10.8 million (equivalent to US$ 2 million) up to approximately R$ 81 million (about US$ 15 million).

The maximum value mentioned would be enough to purchase over 80 units of the 911 Carrera, which is the entry-level version of the sports model in Brazil and has an initial price of R$ 980 thousand. The service offered goes beyond simple aesthetic modifications, such as different paint jobs or optional packages; the projects require the use of new parts and an extensive development process.

Another area of focus is the classics segment. Within the factory revitalization program, Porsche dismantles the Carrera GT, which features a V10 engine. The mechanical components are meticulously inspected and restored, returning the car in near-new condition, with cabin and body customizations according to the owner's request.

Each restoration in this program costs between R$ 2.7 million and R$ 4.3 million (between US$ 500 thousand and US$ 800 thousand), excluding the original cost of the vehicle. Demand for these services is considerable: 11 cars have already been delivered, 16 are currently in the workshop, and 21 are waiting in the queue. These 48 examples represent almost 4% of the total 1,270 units produced.

One of the restored cars received a paint job inspired by the Porsche 917 number 23, a vehicle that secured the brand its first overall victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1970. Additionally, the odometer of this example was reset to zero.

VinFast, the Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer that has not achieved commercial success in the United States, has implemented a new tactic to introduce its SUVs to the American market: transforming them into taxi services.

Green SM, a ride-hailing company owned by the same manufacturer's owner, began operations in Los Angeles on October 13, utilizing a fleet of 500 VinFast VF8 vehicles.

This volume of operational vehicles significantly exceeds the sales recorded by VinFast in the country during the current year. According to data from S&P Global Mobility, only 389 registrations were recorded between January and July, representing a 63% reduction compared to the same period in 2025.

Concurrently, dealerships continue to promote the sale of 2024 model VF9 and 2025 VF8 models, offering substantial discounts of approximately US$ 20,000 (nearly R$ 100,000).

Green SM was established in 2023 by businessman Pham Nhat Vuong, founder of the Vingroup conglomerate that owns VinFast. This billionaire holds 95% of the company, which exclusively uses its own brand's vehicles. This approach had already been applied in Vietnam, where, in two quarters of 2023, Green SM acquired about two-thirds of the electric cars sold by VinFast, as reported by Reuters.

In Los Angeles, the service operation differs from the model adopted by Uber. Green SM owns the cars and hires the 500 drivers as employees with defined work schedules. Passengers can request rides via app, phone, or directly on the street, with fares comparable to Uber Comfort. Additionally, the first five trips offer a 50% discount, limited to about US$ 12 (approximately R$ 60) per trip.

This taxi initiative occurs while VinFast's expansion plan in the US is scaling back. The $4 billion factory, located in North Carolina and scheduled to begin production in 2024, has had its timeline postponed to 2028. In May, the state government filed a lawsuit to reclaim the land, alleging failure to meet construction deadlines, although VinFast is contesting this claim.

Furthermore, the manufacturer recorded a loss of US$ 3.9 billion (about R$ 19.5 billion) in 2025. Despite these financial challenges, the brand reaffirms its commitment to the American market, announcing the preparation of three new dealerships: two in California and one in Philadelphia.