Doosan-Daewoo B18X-5 forklift

Doosan Infracore Co Ltd has launched its first products, a new generation of electric-powered forklifts under the brand Doosan-Daewoo.

The new forklifts will be available in six options, B15T, B18T and B20T as 36 volt and 48 volt three-wheel machines and B16X, B18X and B20X as 48 volt four-wheel machines.

Taking five years to develop, the new models are the first batch of the new Pro-5 series. Doosan claims the series is the most advanced trucks it has manufactured since beginning production in the 1960s.

Doosan expects the forklifts to appeal to the European market, which it says is the most advanced forklift market in the world.

Doosan spokesman JY Moon said the company had a strong presence there because of its extensive European dealer networks.

Key features of the new trucks include adjustable power settings, regenerative braking, anti-rollback, active safety control, high visibility masts and oil cooled disc brakes.

Executive managing director DJ Ra said Doosan listened to customer feedback globally before developing the new series.

"We understand that, for instance, regulations are different in different countries, that there is a trend for softer edges and different colours, and that the comfort and appeal of the truck is becoming very important.

"However, our simple practicality and reliability have been singled out, time after time, and we are very proud of the fact that we have been able to incorporate those characteristics into our latest range," he said.

The new models have gone through more than 20 prototype development stages, including field trials overseas and in Korea and 100,000 hours of component testing.

At the launch of the new forklifts in Nice, in southern France, Ra said the new trucks signalled the start of a new era for the company.