CNH Global Profits Triple

NEW YORK - May 2/06 - SNS -- CNH Global N.V. reported net income of U.S. $43 million sales and other income of $3,161 million for the three months ending March 31, compared to a net of $15 million on revenues of $3,003 million during the first quarter of the previous fiscal year.

Discussing the results, the company noted agricultural equipment net sales were $2.0 billion for the first quarter, essentially at the same level as the prior year, but up 2% excluding currency variations. Sales in North America are up 7% and sales in Rest-of-World markets were up 14%, while sales in Western Europe declined by 4%. Sales in Latin America declined by 18% as the market for combines has continued to decline, more than anticipated.

Total retail unit sales of CNH's agricultural tractors and combines increased by approximately 11% compared to the first quarter last year. First quarter 2006 production of agricultural tractors and combines was approximately 23% higher than retail, following the company's normal seasonal pattern to increase company and dealer inventories in anticipation of the spring selling season.

CNH believes that for the full year 2006, worldwide industry unit retail sales of agricultural tractors will be slightly higher than in 2005. Industry unit retail sales of under-40 horsepower tractors in North America are expected to be down 5 to 10% from the high levels of 2005.

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