Forklift sales in the USA increased 4% last year compared to 2002, according to a proprietary market share report by Crist Information & Research (CIR).

Toyota Material Handling USA (TMHU) achieved the largest 2003 domestic market share, exceeding all other lift truck OEMs, said CIR president Kyle Crist.

TMHU, while not providing figures, said it led the industry in sales for the second year, but the claim for 2002 needs an asterisk.

Among all OEMs offering a full line of Class 1 to 5 forklifts, Toyota had the largest US unit sales and market share in 2002. However, among firms not offering a full line, another unidentified OEM sold more total units overall than Toyota in the US in 2002, according to Crist.

TMHU said it had eviscerated the distinction with its 2003 performance. The company said it closed 2003 with record sales figures in December for retail and factory orders, national accounts and parts sales.

"These strong results demonstrate the market is responding favourably to Toyota's overall value, leadership in technology and strong dealer support," said Dr Shankar Basu, TMHU president and chief executive officer.

In sharing the research findings, Crist observed that IC gas forklifts experienced strong gains in the US last year compared to 2002. Class 5 unit sales increased 13% and Class 4 sales grew 10%.

Sales of electric forklifts in Classes 2 and 3, however, did not achieve comparable gains last year, Crist said. "That is a shift from 2002" when Classes 2-3 showed more market zip.