Italian equipment sales climb

Sales of construction equipment in italy grew +8,4% in the first half of the year compared to the same period in 2006, according to Comamoter, the Italian association of earth moving equipment manufacturers.

"This is a significant result," said Comamoter chairman Giuseppe Fano, "because after posting +10% growth in 2006, sales continue to progress."

According to Mr Fano, a key driver for sales has been the Italian government's latest Economic and Financial Planning Document (DPEF), which has committed +26% more funds to infrastructure spending.

Mr Fano said, "We warmly welcome the financial commitment to infrastructure in the current DPEF. Obviously Italy's infrastructure gap requires much more important and sustained financial support in order to ensure the comprehensive and rapid completion of the public works which our country so clearly needs."

The emphasis on infrastructure work is reflected in the sales figures, with a +13,1% rise in sales of large earthmoving equipment in the first half of the year. Crawler excavators were particularly in demand, with 2255 machines sold - +16% more than the in the same period in 2006.

There were also good gains for mini excavator and skid steer loader sales, but a pronounced fall in demand for backhoe loaders and telescopic handlers.