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Summary
The global forklift market has demonstrated robust growth, with a market size in excess of $50 billion in 2020, and is forecast to develop at a CAGR of overforecast to develop at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 9% from 2021 to 2027, potentially reaching a value in excess of $90 billion by 2027. Despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a halt in production and the temporary closure of various industries that are key users of forklifts for short-term rental, the market is holding up relatively well.
The main trends are the transition to intralogistics automation, with a preference for electric forklifts, and increased demand for short-term rentals due to their flexibility and economic advantages.
Asia is identified as a major growth driver for the forklift market, while Europe and North America are in decline. The French market reflects these global trends, with the electric forklift segment showing steady growth, and a significant proportion of new forklifts being acquired through long-term leases (5 years).
The construction sector also remains an important driver of forklift truck rental demand, and despite a slowdown in the event-driven industries due to the economic crisis, forklift truck sales are still growing.despite a pandemic-related slowdown in the hospitality industry, the strength of regional dealer networks has contributed to market resilience.
Market dynamics and rental trends in the French forklift industry
The French forklift market is undergoing significant change in response to various economic trends and technological advances. In France, the market landscape has been reshaped by a notable shift from sales to rental in the forklift segment. In recent years, the trend towards leasing rather than buying these machines has been predominant, with around 70-80% of new forklifts acquired through long-term leases that often include maintenance contracts.
The rental market is dominated by some 35 companies, ranging from small businesses to major global players such as Nissan and Toyota. Despite the stability of the market, there is no comprehensive statistical overview due to the dynamic nature of mergers, acquisitions and partnerships.
Short-term rentals, flexible enough to range from one day to 12 months, are aimed at companies that need a rapid response to fluctuating demands, such as seasonal businesses or small and medium-sized enterprises.
Leading industry players have come to realize the advantages of rental services, such as economic benefits, regulatory compliance, simplified logistics, immediate equipment availability and overall fleet management flexibility. The pre-COVID period even saw equipment rental companies grow by 7%, an indicator of a dynamic rental sector which, despite short-term challenges, is demonstrating resilience and adaptability.
The French forklift market is highly concentrated, with a few major manufacturers holding significant shares, Fenwick (Kion Group) alone controlling around 35%. Distribution channels tend to be concentrated in integrated networks or rely on independent regional dealers, underlining the essential role of strategic distribution in the market.
In terms of forklift truck types in use, stackers are the most widespread manual or electric handling tools, with different models meeting a variety of industrial needs. As far as prices are concerned, although disparities are minimal for handling solutions with a load capacity of between 600 and 2,500 kg, higher load capacities can be the subject of daily rental prices ranging from 200 to 200 euros. As the industry has evolved, the focus has shifted to automation and electric forklift technologiesthis reflects the drive for efficiency and cost-cutting measures - an area on which the market leaders are strongly focused. However, the real test for the market was the COVID-19 crisis, which led to production stoppages and temporary or permanent site closures, demonstrating the market's sensitivity to sudden economic changes.
In the broader market context, the construction industry plays a key role in influencing the forklift market in France.
In the diverse and competitive landscape of the French forklift market, several key players have established their dominance. Here's a look at these market stalwarts and their contributions to the industry:
- Fenwick-Linde (Groupe Kion) - Fenwick-Linde is the market leader, with a substantial market share. Fenwick-Linde, part of the Kion Group, is known for its comprehensive range of materials handling equipment, its cutting-edge technologies and its focus on customer-oriented solutions. Its dominant market position can be attributed to its reputation for quality, innovation and an extensive service network.
- Still - With a robust fleet of around 5,000 machines available for rental, Still has carved out a place for itself in the industry by offering flexible, responsive rental services. Its approach enables companies to dynamically adapt their operations to demand, while guaranteeing immediate equipment availability. Still is part of the Kion Group.
- Jungheinrich - Not far behind, Jungheinrich, a global giant, has made significant inroads into the French forklift market with its reliable and efficient materials handling solutions. The company's commitment to sustainable development, combined with its strong focus on warehouse logistics solutions, sets it apart in a highly competitive sector.
- Hyster-Yale Materials Handling - Although Hyster-Yale Materials Handling's sales figures are not disclosed in the text provided, its market presence is well noted. Hyster-Yale is synonymous with robust, durable forklift trucks, and has made a name for itself in sectors where performance and strength are paramount.
- Toyota - Toyota Industries continues to be an important name in the forklift industry, with its reputation for manufacturing high-quality, durable and technologically advanced forklifts. Toyota's long history in the automotive sector is mirrored in forklift manufacturing, inspiring confidence and reliability in customers.
- Aprolis and Manuloc - These two French leaders in the equipment rental and distribution sector bring a strong regional presence and a wide range of services. Specializing in long- and short-term rental solutions, these companies have become key suppliers to equipment needs across the country, thanks to their extensive fleets and customer-focused service offerings.
Each of these entities represents an essential part of the infrastructure that supports France's logistics, manufacturing and construction sectors, among others. They bring a blend of innovation, service and reliability that underpins their strong market positions. As the dynamics of the for
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- Number of pages : 30 pages
- Format : Digital and PDF versions
- Last update : 12/01/2022
Summary and extracts
1 Market overview
1.1 Presentation
The forklift market in France covers a set of machines -often self-propelled - designed for lifting and transferring loads in factories and warehouses . This market is in fact one of the segments of the handling equipment market, mainly used in intralogistics and construction. Highly dependent on the economic situation, this market in France has experienced numerous shocks over the past two decades . Faced with declining sales in the 1990s, the major forklift manufacturers converted to rental . This trend continues today, with the development of new networks by the historical manufacturers. The growth drivers now seem to be on the side of automation of intralogistics -as evidenced by the many alliances between forklift manufacturers and robotics players- and electrical machines to the new French regulations.
Short-term rental should be understood as a period of time ranging from from one day to 12 months in general, but rental periods are flexible . The major manufacturers are therefore logically moving into short-term rental, in a market that already has major players such as Aprolis . Thus, Jungheinrich or Still also offer forklift rentals . The short-term rental service includes not only the rapid delivery of the rented equipment, but also the necessary technical and commercial support
Forklift rental is an extremely dynamic professional market. About It is estimated that 35,000 pieces of equipment of this type are rented in France every year and the market is held by about 35 companies ranging from small SMEs to global giants such as Nissan or Toyota. The market is relatively stable even though no overall statistics are available. The major groups are buzzing with mergers and acquisitions and partnerships, proof that the market is attracting interest 70 to 80% of new forklifts in France are in fact leased in the form of a long-term lease with a maintenance contract.
The main markets for forklift trucks are industry, logistics, food processing and automotive Handling equipment refers to all machines and logistical tools used for the transport or support of loads requiring physical effort. Consequently, the market for the rental of handling equipment covers all services for the rental of forklift trucks, hand trucks, pallet trucks, etc
List of charts
- Taille du marché mondial des chariots élévateurs
- International trade in forklifts
- Croissance des différents segment du marché du matériel BTP
- Répartition du chiffre d'affaires du marché des équipements BTP
- Évolution des importations et exportations françaises
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Latest news
Construction: Loxam holds up well despite the new-build crisis - 22/03/2024
- - Last year's sales: over 2.5 billion euros, up more than 6%.
- - Revenues generated in France: 1,042 million euros (+6.6%).
- - Share of the new housing market in Loxam's business: 10%.
- - Public works sector share of sales: over a quarter
- - Proforma sales in Brazil: around 100 million euros.
- - Loxam presence: 25 countries.
- - Revenues generated outside France and Northern Europe: 804 million euros (+14.4%).
- - Reduction in capital expenditure: from 520 million to 350 million euros.
Kiloutou tops one billion euros in sales - 18/04/2023
- Kiloutou has made 5 acquisitions in 2022.
- Kiloutou's sales rise from €793 million in 2021 to €1.08 billion in 2022, an increase of 28.4%.
- Kiloutou's international share doubled to 36%.
- The overall market grew by 2% to 7% in European countries, and by 4% in France.
- Kiloutou is number three in Europe and number two in France, with a 13.4% market share.
- The group has 600 branches (including 500 in France) and 7,000 employees (including 5,000 in France).
- Kiloutou has invested 270 million euros in 2022 and plans to reduce its investments by 10 to 20% in 2023.
- Kiloutou's online business should increase from 21 to 34 million euros in 2023 thanks to its new website.
Equipment rental: Loxam ready for new acquisitions - 15/03/2023
- Key figures - Sales :
- 2.4 billion euros by 2022
- - Annual growth: 10% and 9% on a comparable basis
- - Operating profitability: 279.7 million euros in 2022 (12% margin)
- - Presence in some thirty countries
- - Market share: 20% in France, 7% in Europe
- - Growth forecast for 2023: +5% to +6
- - number four worldwide
- - two acquisitions in 2022, one in Spain, the other in Portugal
Kiloutou also sees its future abroad - 01/09/2022
- Kiloutou Group: sales in excess of €1 billion, 7,000 employees
- 95% of business with professionals in earthmoving and civil engineering equipment rental
- number 2 in France with 15% market share behind Loxam number 3 in Europe with leading positions in
- in Portugal and Denmark
- Acquisition of Grupo Vendap, leader in Portugal, with sales of 40 million euros and an 18% market share Purchase of Holbæk Lift in Denmark (20 employees, sales of 6 million euros)
- Since 2018, Kiloutou has increased its international sales fivefold
Three years after acquiring Drivy, Getaround is preparing for its IPO. - 11/05/2022
- Getaround, the world's leading car-sharing company, is about to take a major step forward in its history by completing its initial public offering (IPO) on the New York Stock Exchange via a SPAC.
- In 2019, Getaround acquired Drivy , the French specialist in the sector, for $300 million.
- Following layoffs in the United States, the company had to raise $140 million to give itself some breathing space.
- The IPO enabled the car-sharing specialist to raise fresh money and set in motion a new dynamic.
- The company claims to have achieved sales of 167 million by 2021, has a fleet of 66,000 vehicles registered on its platform and asserts that it is profitable "in certain cities", without specifying which ones.
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