In its first-quarter earnings report, which it released this morning, AGCO Corp. said that it expects global industry sales to be relatively flat in 2010 compared to 2009. Strong industry demand in South America is expected to produce strong growth in the first half of 2010, compared to a weak first half of 2009.

North American industry demand is expected to remain stable for the remainder of the year. Weak market conditions in Western Europe are expected to stabilize during the second half of 2010, making comparisons to 2009 more favorable in the second half of the year. Continued economic weakness in the Commonwealth of Independent States and Eastern Europe is expected to keep industry demand at very low levels in those markets throughout 2010.