In 2002 the market for all-terrain cranes dropped in volume for the first time after some years of continuous growth. About 2,260 all-terrain mobile cranes were sold worldwide, over 900 of them manufactured by Liebherr, whose 40 % share of this market puts it in an excellent position.
Demand remained very stable initially in Germany, but fell back noticeably in the second half of the year. Spain remained the second most important European market for mobile cranes, with the Netherlands and France also contributing significantly. Growth rates in Italy and Sweden were most gratifying, but the North American market remained well below expectations.
The turnover of 906.9 million Euro was only 12.4 million Euro or 1.3 % below the previous year’s total. However, reorganisation of the Liebherr Group into product divisions means that the total turnover now also includes the smaller crawler cranes weighing between 100 and 280 t, which are developed and built in Nenzing, Austria.
In Ehingen, Germany, Liebherr operates the world’s largest and most modern mobile crane construction plant. A major extension was recently completed, and permits an average of over 1,000 mobile cranes to be produced annually, rising to 1,200 cranes if demand peaks. In addition, more than 400 used cranes are sold on average every year. Liebherr mobile cranes are to be found at work today in almost every country of the world, backed by Liebherr sales and service organisations in all the major markets.
