I think Robe is right KION who own Linde have seen a opportunity to strengthen there business buy increase their market share in other markets , Around 78% of KION turn over is in Germany and France. I think tho they have made a mistake by going down the torque converter route they should look at developing a more cost effective hydrostatic truck. By cost effective i mean at a entry price that is equivalent to a torque converter truck.

If you were to strip out the cost and say what is the best product on the market the Hydrostatic truck will always win either Linde or Junghienrich 2,500 kg truck are the best in the market. The Linde 8,000kg truck is the best by far in the market , and the inovating rotating driver seat on the X39 is one of the most important developments in the last twenty years. This has come about because Linde have a hydrostic transmission this could not work on a torque converter truck.


The forklift market is now starting to see a change like never before and companies are no longer looking at just their home market but the global markets. You will see a different picture of the forklift market by 2020 some names will go some new names will get stronger Like Uni Carrier but they will be only around five companies that will control around 80% of global turnover