French excavator growth continues

The French excavator market continues to increase, says CISMA (the French association of equipment manufacturers of construction, infrastructure, steel and handling equipment industries), which said that at the end of May, the combined market for both compact and heavy excavators was growing by 0.5% compared to the same period last year – which was then a record.

CISMA said that a few regions, mostly in the north of France, had experienced a decrease. For example, the Normandy region recorded a drop of 29% over the period.

It added, however, that 10 regions were growing.

Among the regions showing growth were the major areas such as the region of Lyon (Rhône-Alpes) which saw excavator sales up 5%, the South East region (Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur) which rose 8%, and the region of Paris (Ile-de-France) also recording an 8% increase.

These three regions represented just under 40% of the total market.

CISMA pointed out that the fiscal law which was introduced last year to encourage investment was no longer in effect this year.

However, CISMA said that the market remained dynamic, with interest rates still low, managers confident, and regions and municipalities having more funds for civil engineering activity.

Lastly, next city council elections for the mayor’s office will take place in 2020. CISMA said the current period was, therefore, favourable for municipalities to undertake roadworks, building construction and so on.