French Earthmoving Equipment market off to a good start

The French earthmoving market continues to grow. In year to date, end of February, the market is up +9%.

With the exception of compact loaders (-10%) and backhoes (-34%), sales of earthmoving machines in units recorded a growth in the first two months of this year. After the pretty strong performance in 2016, the French market is still growing … but at a slower pace.

Compared to the same period last year, the compact equipment is up 5% (3150 units vs 3010 in 2016). Wheel loaders achieved the best performance (+47%), followed by excavators (wheel excavators under 11 tons and crawler excavators between 6 to 12 tons) which grew by 7%. Sales of mini excavators increased marginally (+1%). In comparison, over the same period, the rise was +43% last year and +78% the year before.

The heavy equipment market increased by 33% (810 machines vs 610 last year). All categories of machines are increasing. In detail, haulers and motor graders sales outperformed this market segment. There is also a very positive sales performance concerning wheel loaders (+27%).