Haulotte identifies world's growth zones

Growth in the world's aerial platform market will come from new developing markets in Eastern Europe, South America and Asia this year, with the US market down and Europe flat, forecast Alexandre Saubot, chief operating officer of Haulotte Group.

Speaking at the company's Conexpo press conference, Mr Saubot said; "We see 2008 being flat, with the North American market being down. I have no doubt that the US will be down significantly in 2008 - 10, to 15 to 20%...The growth will come from emerging countries - Eastern Europe, but also South America, Asia and the Middle East in 2008."

Haulotte used the show to launch its new 86 ft boom with a 20 foot telescoping jib. Mr Saubot said the boom "was a very good compromise for the US market that likes stick booms and the European habit to have flexibility and the strong development of the articulated booms."

The company also launched two telehandlers, the first time it has sold telehandlers in the US. Mr Saubot said the company had sold a few hundred telehandlers last year, the first year of availability - and said he wanted that to increase to over 1000 units in 2008; "Selling 500 in not a big deal - selling 5000 is another challenge."