Earthmoving
In the earthmoving product segment, Liebherr achieved a turnover of € 2,529 million in the 2022 business year, representing an increase of € 209 million or 9.0 % compared to the previous year.
Turnover in € m from 2,320 | + 9.0% |
|---|---|
Investments in € m from 213 | - 3.3% |
Employees from 8,845 | + 5.5% |
Turnover by sales regions
- 61.6%European Union
- 15.8%Non-EU countries
- 11.7%North America
- 2.9%Central and South America
- 4.0%Asia and Oceania
- 4.0%Africa, Near and Middle East
Continued growth
The earthmoving industry got off to a very strong start in 2022. However, demand was dampened over the course of the year by the geopolitical and economic situation and in some cases the prevailing pandemic, leading to a decline in the global market.
Contrary to the global market trend, Liebherr was able to increase turnover in the earthmoving segment in almost all of its sales regions. The strongest growth was in Central and South America, especially Chile and Brazil. Very encouraging growth was also observed in North America, primarily driven by positive developments in Canada and the USA. Liebherr recorded an increase in turnover in the Africa, Near and Middle East region, including Ghana and South Africa. The segmentʼs traditionally most important market, the European Union, saw particularly strong growth stimuli from France, Germany and Finland. Growth was also achieved in non-European Union countries – most significantly Switzerland and Norway. Liebherr only recorded a decline in turnover in the Asia and Oceania region, mainly due to the downward trend in China and Australia.
With its wide array of new digital solutions and innovative machines, Liebherr is playing a key role in shaping technological progress in the construction industry.
Numerous innovations unveiled at Bauma
At Bauma 2022 in Munich (Germany), Liebherr presented its completely modernised series of compact loaders and medium-sized wheel loaders, among a number of other products. The new 70–100-tonne crawler excavators were unveiled, boasting optimised performance characteristics, new assistance systems and lower fuel consumption. Another highlight was the R 980 Demolition, Liebherrʼs largest demolition excavator. The PR 766 marked a new addition to Liebherrʼs Generation 8 of earthmoving crawlers with an operating weight of up to 55 t. It also presented a rail-road excavator with a hydrostatic drive concept for the very first time. The range was completed by attachments and quick coupling systems.
In 2022, research and development activities primarily focused on sustainability and digitalisation. Liebherr presented various alternative drive technologies at Bauma, including the first battery-powered wheel loader and telescopic handler, along with a study relating to a fuel-cell-powered wheel loader. The manufacturerʼs crawler excavator powered by a hydrogen combustion engine made its world debut and received the Bauma Innovation Award in the climate protection category.
Turning to digitalisation, Liebherr and some of its lead customers provided insights into a joint project aimed at developing digital, machine-related solutions for the operational and strategic optimisation of machine fleets. Liebherr is also a member of the VDMAʼs Machines in Construction (MiC) 4.0 working group. This develops solutions for consistent, manufacturer-independent digital communication between attachments and construction machines and was awarded the Bauma Innovation Award in the digitalisation category.
By introducing a product configurator for earthmoving equipment, Liebherr has paved the way for digitalised sales processes. The tool enables configuration of the desired machine regardless of time or location.
Liebherr is cautiously optimistic about the earthmoving segment in 2023. The current challenges are set to be counteracted by momentum from infrastructure expansion and projects relating to carbon reduction and digitalisation.