José LUIS DEL PRIM, President of CECE (Committee for European Construction Equipment)

• How are the construction equipment markets behaving in Europe?

In 2010, aggregate turnover for the European industry rose by almost 18%. This figure must be repositioned, however, in the context of the deep crisis we experienced in 2009 when we lost more than 40% of our turnover. There are huge discrepancies from one country to the other. The German industry, with its 19% growth for 2010, is in a very positive position. The UK industry caused some surprise with growth approaching 57% in 2010! Conversely, the Spanish construction equipment industry posted a 19% loss in turnover again, with aggregate 2010 sales dwindling to less than a quarter of the figure recorded for 2007. Italy is not doing well either since the Italian industry stagnated throughout 2010.
 

• Do you think that the levels recorded for 2008–2009 can be recovered in a few years’ time?

 
The situation is gradually improving, and the outlook for 2011 is much better now than a year ago: we forecast 11% growth. Will we get back to pre-crisis levels? Difficult to say. But one thing is certain: the relative importance of steadily growing markets, such as China, India, and Latin America, has risen considerably. Russia, which reacted drastically to the crisis, is now picking up again equally radically. The growth rates of all these markets are set to exceed 10% – a rate that very few markets in Europe will achieve in 2010. To sum up, my assessment is that if ever we reach pre-crisis levels again, this will be thanks to the demand from these markets. But one question remains: to what extent will Europe draw advantage from this growth.
 

• Are all European manufacturers prepared to meet the requirements of the new regulation on pollutant emissions from engines?

 
Some are and some are trying very hard to be on time, notably the small- and medium-sized enterprises that suffered considerable hardship during the crisis. One of the major challenges arising from this issue is availability of new engines, and the time required to redesign the machines accordingly. We have been involved in discussions with the European institutions, and have requested that they allow sufficient time for our manufacturers to do so.
 

• Are manufacturers working sufficiently on environmentally friendly solutions for machines?

 
Of course! Our industry has been considered to be noisy and polluting for so long. Although this was maybe the case in the past, the situation has now deeply changed. Today, many companies are marketing hybrid excavators and compactors, innovative hydraulic breaking systems to reduce consumption, and many other green technologies.
As an industry, we are also working on self-regulatory measures to reduce our carbon emissions. No one has obliged us to do so at this stage but, as an industry, we consider it our responsibility to the planet.

• Why does Cece support Intermat 2012?

 
Intermat helps its member companies to raise their profiles. The exhibition is organized in such a professional way that the majority of manufacturers are keen to be present. Moreover, France is one of the leading construction equipment markets in Europe so everyone wants to attend the show to do business. Competitors, both large and small, have the opportunity to compare products, and to discover the latest technological developments so they can draw inspiration from the best on the market. These are the reasons why CECE has been supporting Intermat for so many years.

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