The outlook for the U.S. aerial equipment rental market is bright, as seen in the IPAF US Powered Access Rental Market Report 2012 released last week by the International Powered Access Federation. The U.S. market experienced relatively strong growth in rental revenue to $6.2 billion in 2011, mainly because of increased demand leading to higher rental rates. Continuous growth is expected in the next two years.
The European powered access rental market in the 10 countries surveyed is approximately €2.3 billion (about U.S. $3 billion) in 2011, according to the IPAF European Powered Access Rental Market Report 2012. Germany is now the largest market in value, followed by France and the U.K. The 10 European countries surveyed were: Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden and the U.K.
Following difficult times in 2009 and 2010, the European market rebounded slightly in 2011. Only slight growth is expected for 2012-2013 with the market being held back by lack of confidence because of the uncertain economic outlook.
One highlight is the prediction of 40-percent annual fleet growth over the next five years in Brazil, an emerging market that is the focus of this year’s rental reports. If correct, the current estimated fleet of 14,500 to 15,000 units would increase to 25,000 by the end of 2013.
The reports are presented in an easy-to-read format, highlighting key facts and figures for senior management, such as fleet size, utilization rate and retention period. New for this year is the analysis of power sources. In the U.S., diesel power dominates the boom-type machines while the main power source for scissors is electric.
The IPAF U.S. and European Powered Access Rental Market Reports 2012 are available in English and can be purchased at www.ipaf.org/reports.
IPAF is a not-for-profit members’ organization that promotes the safe and effective use of powered access equipment worldwide.
