European equipment market to grow +1%

Sales of construction equipment in Western Europe are expected to grow +1% this year, according to a new forecast from specialist market researcher company, Off-Highway Research. Total sales in the region are expected to reach 125,704 units in 2015.

The two largest markets in Europe, Germany and the UK look positive, with +3% growth forecast for 2015. The UK is expected to continue to be Europe’s largest equipment market in unit terms, with volumes expected to hit 33,712 machines.

Off-Highway Research also predicts growth of +18% for the Italian equipment market and +35% for Spain. However, after years of deep recession, the volumes of 10,127 units and 2,406 units respectively, are still low in historical terms.

The main negative in the forecast is the expected -15% decline in equipment sales in France, Europe’s third biggest market. The Swiss market is also expected to see a sharp fall, with a -12% drop in equipment volumes.

Looking further ahead, Off-Highway Research expects a further +4% growth in European equipment sales in 2016, driven by a rebound in France. Most other European countries are expected to see an increase in sales next year, with the relatively small markets of Finland, Portugal and Spain providing double-digit gains. However, Off-Highway Research forecasts moderate declines in Austria, the Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland and the UK.

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