The European industrial truck market is on the road to recovery, according to the latest fact sheet released by the European Federation of Materials Handling (FEM).

Order intake data shows volumes for all types of industrial trucks were on the rise in Western and Eastern Europe after suffering declines in 2009. FEM is confident that based on the growth trends seen in 2010, all European countries "could significantly recover" from the impact of the global economic crisis.

Last year, all industrial truck types contributed significantly to recovery but forklifts showed a stronger growth than warehouse trucks.

The strongest increase in demand was found in Germany and the UK. In Eastern Europe, Russia in particular showed a strong recovery.

Transport and logistics, food and beverages, "other trading/retailing industries" and "other manufacturing industries" continue to be the strongest customer sectors, retaining their double-digit share of the European forklift market.

In 2010, the transport and logistics share of the forklift market was 17%, compared to the prior year's 16%, food and beverages' 18% share and the 19% share of "other trading/retailing industries" remained unchanged. "Other manufacturing industries" has also held its market share from 2008-2010, with its 11% stake of the European forklift market.

This year is so far indicating a further increase in market demand in Europe, FEM says, with 34% growth in Western Europe and 70% in Eastern Europe after the first half of 2011.