Europe Forklift Market

Europe Forklift Market Size

According to a recent study by Global Market Insights Inc., the Europe forklift market was estimated at USD 18.2 billion in 2024. The market is expected to grow from USD 19.5 billion in 2025 to USD 33.7 billion in 2034, at a CAGR of 6.3%.

Europe is witnessing considerable investment in infrastructure, a sign of solid confidence about the growth of the market. This investment is instigating development of technology and sustainable practices around the use of forklifts in industry. Companies like Jungheinrich and Linde Material Handling are making this change. For Instance, Jungheinrich has allocated over EUR 100 million for research and development (R&D) FY 2023-2024 focusing mainly in lithium-ion battery technology and autonomous forklifts. This helps in enhancing the company's potential for new operational efficiencies. The legacy of these investments strengthens Europe position as a leader in sustainable materials handling.

In addition to these technological initiatives, manufacturers, too, are doubling down on how they will respond to stricter emissions regulations. This places them front and center, not just innovating to be compliant with regulatory requirements, but seeing such responses as a component of doing their part collectively as a commitment to global sustainability. A substantial driver of change is the European Union’s Green Deal - which is its mission to be carbon neutral by 2050 - which in fact is now allocating funding towards low-emission technology development, which will fuel green environmental practices in industry material handling moving forward as the industry opts for such practices while also looking for financial benefit.

The need and demand for electrification and automation are altering the competitive landscape of the European forklift market significantly. Companies are trying to capitalize these advancements in their favor to increase productivity, lower operating costs, and the same time to address changing customer needs. For example, lithium-ion technology not only improves energy efficiency but also minimizes maintenance along with its compelling long-term cost implications. The autonomous forklifts are redesigning the warehouses from just holding stock to managing operations with required analytics which ultimately results in minimizing human error and improving supply chain efficiency.

The associated trends should not be seen in isolation. They are framed within a reasonable regulatory environment and a level of collaboration among firms in the industry. The European forklift industry's commitment to innovation, sustainability and compliance contributes to the prospects of the industry in terms of global growth and competition. Coupled with increasing levels of investment in infrastructure or developments in technology, the industry is well placed to face future challenges and take advantage of new and emerging opportunities.

Europe Forklift Market Trends

The European forklift industry is undergoing significant change largely driven by advancements in technology, environmental regulatory action, and changing operational needs in internal logistics. Here are some of the key trends driving the market:

• In the forklift space, there is a strong trend toward batteries (especially lithium-ion)-or fuel-cell-powered electric forklifts. This trend has been bolstered by stricter emissions regulations such as the EU’s Green Deal, which emphasizes carbon neutrality and company ESG policies that increasingly favor a reduction in carbon footprint by using sustainable practices in their supply chains.
  
• Demand for efficient, labor-saving solutions and improved workplace safety are providing aggressive growth in the use of autonomous forklifts for repetitive tasks like pallet handling. Since these vehicles self-navigate through visual AI and the internet of things (IoT) sensors, they provide significant savings in operational costs and allow for greater throughput of materials in warehouse and logistics operations.
  
• Forklift telematics is rapidly becoming a key solution to optimize fleet management. With these connected passenger economy devices, data such as localization, usage, maintenance, and operator behavior can be collected and relayed almost instantaneously to optimize scheduling while enabling predictive maintenance, generating better uptime of the equipment, and improving safety through monitoring and analytical functions.
  
• The forklift rental marketplace in Europe continues to grow as businesses try to cut costs, improve flexibility, and gain access to up-to-date equipment without the burden of owning it. This is evident in peak time, for a seasonal project, and in response to increased demand due to the rapid growth of e-commerce.
  
• With greater than 36,000 incidents of work-related forklift accidents in Europe every year, safety innovations are a major focus area. This involves AI pedestrian close-to detection, automated speed control based on location, access control for authorized drivers, and digital pre-use inspections to reduce accidents and enhance workplace safety.
  
• The e-commerce surge is a key driver in the European market for forklifts. There is a requisite need for efficient materials handling to fulfil order deliveries on time, and the ongoing growth of large warehousing (and distribution) hubs will continue to support demand for both conventional and automated forklifts.
  
• Lithium-ion batteries will be replacing conventional lead acid batteries in electric lift trucks. This is in part due to investment in R&D, reduced price points, longer life cycle, quicker chargers, and environmental reasons that have all led to better efficiencies and the lowering of environmental impacts.
  

Europe Forklift Market Analysis

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Based on product, the forklift market is segmented into warehouse and counterbalance. The warehouse segment accounts for around 30% share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 5.9% through 2034.

• In the EU logistics based business, warehouse forklifts are significant throughout the EU market, although they particularly dominate in Germany, France, and the U.K.as e-commerce, retail, and industrial distribution hubs. These vehicles are electrified into their operations, where indoor application has moved towards zero-emissions. There are cases for narrow-aisle and compact designs specifically when indoor space is limited in an urban warehouse, and the use of automation to optimize high-throughput facilities is growing throughout the EU member states.
  
• Counterbalance Forklifts: Counterbalance forklifts play an important role in Europe’s manufacturing, automotive and construction sectors. Diesel and LPG are relied on for outdoor applications, while electric or battery models are growing for indoor operations as businesses seek to comply with emissions regulations. Their versatility in applicability for ports, warehouses and industrial sites means there is consistent replacement demand for counterbalance forklifts and help facilitate sustainable material handling aligned with the EU’s environmental policies.
  

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Based on end use, the forklift market is segmented into chemical, food & beverages, industrial, logistics, retail & e-commerce, and others. Logistics sector dominates the market with 37% share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 6.7% from 2025 to 2034.

• The automotive, steel, and machinery manufacturing sectors across Europe utilize forklifts majorly for handling raw and finished materials. Class IV and V trucks are still widely used, although the use of electric forklifts is expanding in modern plants. Industrial demand is being supported by reshoring and EU infrastructure investment.
  
• Logistics dominates the market among other end-use for forklifts in the EU and majorly driven by e-commerce, 3PL expansion, and urban fulfillment. Electric Class I-III forklifts are predominant, with AGV technology emerging in the most advanced facilities. Cold chain operations increase adoption as well. Efficiency and compliance of EU hub operations are driving demand for forklifts.
  

Based on fuel, the market is segmented into diesel, electric, gasoline & LPG/CNG.

• Diesel-powered forklifts dominate the market, and they are often used in outdoor jobs such as construction, ports, and heavy industries in the EU landscape. Diesel remains practical in locations where very high torque and continued outdoor work is high, especially in Northern and Southern Europe where indoor IC models are gradually being replaced by electrification, although the EU has developed rigid emissions standards and carbon reduction policies
  
• Electric Forklifts: Electric-powered forklifts are being rolled out rapidly in EU warehouses, cold storage, and retail logistics. Strict emissions regulations combined with government subsidies and corporations looking to meet sustainability goals will accelerate electric uptake. Lithium-ion technology supports multi-shift use, and low noise, zero emissions, and no vibration are also very advantageous for indoor work in urban areas.
  

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• Germany forklift market size exceeded USD 4.7 billion in 2024, due to strict regulations, sustainability efforts, and technological advancements. Electric forklift trucks remain the dominant technology across EU member states, aided by good existing charging infrastructure and policy frameworks that support and encourage the transition to clean sources of energy in the material handling sector.
  
• Germany continues to hold its position as the largest manufacturer and exporter of forklifts in Europe, leading the charge of developing electric vehicles, automated systems, and hydrogen fuel cells for motion. Germany's manufacturing process is still closely linked to industry's standards and innovation.
  
• The countries like France, Italy and Spain are continuously involved in the modernization of their fleets of forklifts with the major usage of lithium-ion batteries and models which can be automated. This step is majorly focused on improving warehouse efficiency and reducing costs.
  
• Post-Brexit UK continues to align with EU standards while developing domestic production capabilities coming from investment towards smart manufacturing. Belgium and other Nordic countries demonstrate good progress in adopting electric powered lift trucks and integrating digital systems, especially in some specialized handling applications. EU market shows a unified approach towards sustainable and connected material handling equipment, which is positioning them to lead the world to environmentally responsible solutions.
  

Europe Forklift Market Share

The top 5 companies in the Europe forklift industry are Toyota Material Handling, Crown Equipment, Kion Group, Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Jungheinrich contributing around 70% of the market in 2024.

• Crown Equipment Europe is a leading company that specializes in material handling equipment. The company also designs and builds an array of material handling equipment, including electric forklifts, pallet trucks, order pickers, and automated guided vehicles (AGVs). Crown makes over 85% of its component parts in its factories, which enables its products to achieve acceptable quality and performance standards.
  
• Toyota Material Handling Europe produces a full range of forklifts and advanced automation solutions. Since 2002, they have been the number one lift truck supplier in Europe and are known for quality and reliability in their products.
  
• Kion is a German based multinational organization that manufactures industrial trucks, which includes, Linde and STILL brands. Kion Europe manufactures innovative and energy-efficient forklifts and warehouse automation solutions as a multinational corporation and is increasing market share in Europe through strategic acquisitions.
  

Europe Forklift Market Companies

Major players operating in the Europe forklift industry are:

• KION Group AG
• Toyota Material Handling Europe
• Jungheinrich AG
• Hyster-Yale Europe
• Crown Equipment Europe
• Combilift
• HUBTEX Maschinenbau GmbH
• Manitou Group
• Translift Bendi Ltd
• Flexi Narrow Aisle
• Bolzoni Group
• Svetruck
• Carer
• Atlet AB
• Baumann GmbH
  
• Manitou Group is a family-owned global company with world-wide operations in 140 countries. Manitou invented the all-terrain forklift and is a world leader in material handling equipment for the Construction, Agriculture, and Industrial sectors. Manitou services rental businesses, contractors, farmers, and industrial operators. Manitou leads the world in telehandlers and has a strong presence in aerial work platforms and rough-terrain handling equipment.
  
• Flexi Narrow Aisle specializes in articulated Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) fork trucks that enable efficient racking density in tight warehouse environments.  Their Flexi trucks are meant to work both indoors and outdoors to eliminate the need for dedicated equipment in one space.  Flexi Trucks are now widely used across Europe, as they provide cost savings by optimizing warehouse space and improving operating efficiency in logistics and retail.
  
• Bolzoni Group is a leading European manufacturer of forklift attachments, forks, and lift tables.  Operating under the Bolzoni, Auramo, and Meyer brand labels, they increase overall forklift versatility across multiple industries. Bolzoni’s products are essential in customized material handling for varying applications and therefore are one of the main suppliers to OEMs and dealers throughout Europe’s various industrial and logistics sectors.
  

Europe Forklift Industry News

• In March 2025, Linde Material Handling launched the H50-H80 EVO series of internal combustion forklift trucks, which deliver improved fuel efficiency and a modern ergonomic design Linde Material Handling. This position the company to retain its market leadership position for IC forklifts, provide customers with improved fuel efficiency, enhance operator comfort and productivity, and maintain its competitive position.
  
• In January 2025, KION Group partnered with NVIDIA and Accenture to develop AI-enabled warehouse robots and a digital twin software solution for their automated material handling solutions KION Group. This enables the firm to further enhance its capabilities to innovate in automation, leverage all the latest cutting-edge AI technologies, strengthen its competitive position in autonomous solutions, and accelerate the pace of its digital transformation.
  
• In January 2025, Linde Material Handling showcased K-MATIC automated forklift innovation with sophisticated navigation systems and fully autonomous operating capabilities for warehouse automation Linde Material Handling. This is important for capturing the growing demand of automation in a way that separates from competitors and justifies premium retail pricing, as well as contribute to development in high-growth autonomous segments and developing a technology leadership position.
  
• In January 2024, Manitou Group acquired a controlling interest in Italian suppliers COME S.r.l. and Metal Work S.r.l. to better coordinate their supply chains and manufacturing capabilities Manitou Group. This helps the company to gain the ability to secure components, mitigate supply chain risks and enhance the integration of both the manufacturing and supply chain
  
• This will result in the enhancement of the existing cost control and enhance manufacturing capacity in the region.
  

The Europe forklift market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecasts in terms of revenue (USD Million) and volume (Thousand Units) from 2021 to 2034, for full diversification.

Market, By product

• Warehouse
• Counterbalance

Market, By fuel

• Diesel
• Electric
• Gasoline & LPG/CNG

Market, By class  

• Class I
• Class II
• Class III
• Class IV
• Class V
• Others (VI & VII)

Market, By End Use 

• Chemical
• Food & beverages
• Industrial
• Logistics
• Retail & e-commerce
• Others (Construction / Building Materials, Automotive, Pharmaceuticals, textiles, & paper)

Market, By distribution channel

• Direct sales
• Indirect sales

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• Europe
  • UK
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Belgium