JCB dealer confident in Turkish growth

JCB's Turkish dealer, Sif, expects sales to reach 15,000 units by April 2014, growth of +20% compared to the financial year to April 2013.

Speaking during the Komatek exhibition in Ankara, Turkey, Sif managing director Cüneyt Divriş said major infrastructure projects in the country were fuelling growth.

"2012 was a record year with an estimated 12,750 JCB machines sold in Turkey, up +25% compared to the year before. Investment in Turkey's road infrastructure, urban transformation projects and rail developments are triggering demand," Mr Divriş said.

"The € 22 billion (US$ 28.5 billion) tender for Istanbul Airport came out on Tuesday, for instance. It is clear that there is confidence in the Turkish economy for the coming decade."

Looking ahead, Mr Divriş said Sif hoped to sell 30,000 JCB units by 2023.

"Backhoe loaders are the biggest sellers at the moment, followed by excavators and wheeled loaders. But we are seeing signs of demand for compact equipment emerging, while telescopic handlers are also gaining more attention," he concluded.