Finally the first positive signals from the industry

Just recently, comparisons of incoming orders with previous year levels have grown somewhat more positive with every month. This can be partly explained by the basic effect of the weak second half of 2008. At the same time, the absolute figures indicate the market has now bottomed out. But the industry is far from sustainable growth.

The current positive trend can be mainly attributed to the construction equipment. In the previous year comparison, orders in September only fell by 16%. For earthmoving machines, with a plus of 9%, we had the first positive report for just under two years. Road construction machines are stabilizing with a minus of 6%. This can be attributed to economic stimulus packages taking effect. Only for machines for building construction does the situation remain gloomy: for 12 months there have been uninterrupted minus rates between 60 and 80%.

The business climate for construction equipment and building materials machinery rose in October by almost 20 points to –43.2; in September it was still  –62,3. For the first time in 18 months, the majority of companies in the industry expect an improvement in the business situation in the coming months. The somewhat more positive mood in the industry gives rise to hope that this trend will continue to stabilize towards the end of the year.