 Mr. CW Park |
New advanced products, a refocused business model and rapid sales in emerging markets mean there's a bright future ahead, according to CW Park, CEO of forklift manufacturer Doosan.2012 proved to be a record year in terms of sales and global marketshare and already the business is ready for new challenges.
With an increase in awareness from one of the
largest presences at IMHX and boosted by a number of new product launches and upgrades, the company looks set to emerge stronger from the economic downturn than many of its rivals.
Said CW: "We have already seen a steady growth in sales throughout the difficult trading conditions as buyers have responded to our 'value for the customer' approach. It's given us the confidence to push on with further research and development. DIV has introduced a number of new products, such as our new reach truck, tough new warehouse equipment ranges, upgrades to our engines and cabins and the extension of our largest diesel models. In all, it has been a very productive period for us."
 Click for larger view. |
Tough economic conditions have naturally influenced capital equipment purchases, but Doosan's CEO feels the company has largely been unaffected and it is well placed to take advantage of any recovery. Said CW: "Finance agreements and confidence are the main stumbling blocks in the market, and we are well aware of that, but there's still a strong demand for equipment. Organisations are finding it difficult to invest in infrastructure of all kinds, and yet despite that our total sales are growing and our market share has increased. Many of our distributors are experiencing record performances and we are finding that as more people experience our products, they continue to stick with us. Also, as we extend our range and market penetration, we are growing our
 Click for larger view. |
awareness and business as a result."
Elsewhere in the industry, long-standing forklift brands have had to merge or move production to new facilities in a bid to economise. Thanks to previous efficiency drives and continued growth, the subsequent disruption and uncertainty caused by such moves is something that Doosan has happily avoided.
"We are in the process of seeing some consolidation in the market, but this has little or no effect on Doosan. The recession has knocked the confidence of some customers and they are nervous about signing long-term agreements. Other
 Click for larger view. |
manufacturers aim to
maximise their maintenance revenues, our goal, however, is somewhat different. We hold true to our ethos and to minimising the operators total cost of ownership."
Meanwhile,
Doosan is staying ahead of the encroaching emissions regulations with a unique partnership. The on-going development of a new Euro Stage IV-compliant engine has seen Doosan Industrial Vehicle in collaboration with its well-established Doosan Engine division.
Doosan's new G2 Engine, on show for the
first time at IMHX, uses advanced Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) to recirculate a proportion of the exhaust gas back into the engine to reduce NOx formation, and Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC), a Non-Diesel Particulate Filter system which saves customers both maintenance time and costs. This New G2 engine will now be standard in all Doosan mid-sized diesel engine forklifts.
"We're very pleased with our latest technological developments, as well as the reception of our new reach truck and warehouse equipment product ranges," concludes CW Park. "We're also incredibly pleased with the enthusiasm of our dealers and national partners who are ensuring our sustained future growth."
Over 200 Doosan models are now available, from the simple hand pallet truck to the giant 16, 18 and 25 tonne diesel trucks.
Doosan is also the name behind the world renowned Bobcat brand of tele-handlers, skid steers and compact excavators, plus the heavy Doosan construction equipment such as large excavators, wheeled loaders, dump trucks and high capacity tele-handlers.
For more information visit
www.doosan-iv.com or see
Doosan at IMHX on stand 19H120.
Tel: + 82 2 3398 2438
Fax: + 82 2 3398 8619
Email: send an emailWeb: www.doosan-iv.comClick here to visit the Doosan Industrial Vehicle Shopfront