Editor Allan Leibowitz comments on the news of the week

In recent weeks, we have seen a number of new Stage V-compliant models launched onto the market. Stage V, of course, is the next European standard for emissions restrictions on non-road engines, and will be a requirement for all machines entering the EU market by 1 January 2021. It's reassuring that amid all the other challenges currently facing forklift manufacturers, the commitment to meeting environmental standards continues unabated. Of course, it's helped by the fact that many of the engines fitted in materials handling equipment are built by specialist engine manufacturers and variations of the same Stage V engines are finding their way into equipment sporting different branding. As the EU deadline approaches, there's no doubt that European equipment buyers are paying some attention to the power units of the equipment they are planning to purchase - and that the same considerations will inevitably apply in other markets.