Earthmoving

The Earthmoving division benefited from largely positive market growth last year, achieving sales increases in nearly every region. The European Union was once again the most important sales region with significant increases in Germany, France and Spain. Growth was particularly strong in North America, although, business took a slight downturn in Central and South America. In the Asia and Oceania region, there was above-average growth in New Zealand and Australia, but sales in China declined. There was also a rise in sales in Africa, Near and Middle East, which was due in large part to strong growth in the United Arab Emirates. The division achieved sales increases in nearly all of its product categories.

At the Bauma 2019 trade fair in Munich (Germany), the division unveiled numerous product innovations, including its 8th generation crawler excavator with its electrically controlled hydraulic system and various intelligent assistance systems. The division also showcased its INTUSI intuitive user interface, an intelligent operating system that combines sophisticated machine-learning technologies.

The division also helped pave the way towards Industry 4.0 with its newly launched “Liebherr AR Experience” app, developed in conjunction with additional applications from the crawler crane industry. This app projects 3D data into the real-life environment, enabling users to experience a virtual construction site. Another highlight was the launch of the LB 16 unplugged, the world’s first battery-powered large drilling rig. The design features an electrohydraulic drive, which offers the benefit of zero local emissions along with high mechanical efficiency.

In the past year, the division’s investment activities focused primarily on strengthening its global market presence.