Based on preliminary figures, sales generated by Wacker Construction Equipment AG, soon to be Wacker Neuson SE, rose in the first six months of 2008 to about €472 million (about U.S. $734 million), compared to €341.7 million for the same period last year. The increase is the result of the merger of Wacker and Neuson.

Profit for the first-half year was influenced by the high levels of investment and intensive sales activities undertaken by the Wacker group, including the large-scale stocking of group-owned rental and demo fleets with compact equipment manufactured by the group.

Following strong results through April, the general economic global climate caused a decrease in demand in May and June, the company said, fueled in part by the U.S. subprime crisis, the weakening of the U.S. dollar and the increase in the price of raw materials.

Wacker will release its complete half-year report Aug. 14.