Hong Kong forklift buyers prefer Japanese forklifts, according to industry insiders contacted by Forkliftaction.com News.

Dealer Horace Industrial Equipment Ltd sales manager William Chan says: "We only offer the electric-powered (battery) type of platform lift. The forklift is generally known as a power stacker. Our power lift comes from Italy, a Carrelli. In Hong Kong, 90% of the market uses Japanese forklifts, and most are from Toyota.

"The industry here prefers to purchase forklifts from Japan, as there is a vibrant second-hand market in these and their spare parts, and used and renewed forklifts are easy to come by. It is important to end users that spare parts are conveniently purchased."

According to Mr Chan, Chinese-made forklifts, though cheaper, are not popular in Hong Kong and users prefer buying second-hand Japanese products than new Chinese forklifts, which suffer from quality and reliability problems.

Kelvin Wong, chief salesman with Crown Motors, distributor and sole agent for Toyota in Hong Kong, confirmed Toyota forklifts held the largest market share in Hong Kong.

"Our technology is more sophisticated than other firms and our product is more stable," he said. "Another factor is that Hong Kong people are familiar with Toyota products. Many taxis in Hong Kong are Toyotas, so familiarity with the brand name helps."

Crown Motors does not sell second-hand forklifts but, Mr Wong said there were many traders handling the second-hand market.