Toyota Industries Corporation Australia (TICA) is aiming for a 30% share of the Australian forklift market in the next five years.

According to Australian Industrial Truck Association (AITA) sales figures, Toyota was Australia's number one counterbalance forklift supplier for 2003, with sales of 1,900 units. That gave Toyota the counterbalance market lead for a record 17th consecutive year.

TICA executive vice-president Steve Harper said Toyota's forecasted growth was based on its products and a strong dealer network.

"Clients are demanding solutions that meet modern materials handling needs, ensuring the highest levels of safety, reliability, performance and productivity," he said.

The first Toyota forklift was manufactured in 1956 and sales in Australia began in 1968. Australia's total forklift sales have now passed 38,000 machines a year.

Toyota Motor Corporation Australia sold its industrial equipment business to Toyota Industries Corporation (TICO) in June 2003.

As a result of the sale, TICA was established to distribute and sell TICO equipment. Toyota forklifts are now manufactured in Japan, the USA, France and China.