-
Europe Agricultural Machinery Business Sees Dip
The European agricultural machinery industry’s business climate index slightly dropped for the second consecutive month, reaching 0 points in July from +4. This decline primarily affected arable equipment, transportation, and components, unlike previous months when harvesting equipment and tractors saw deterioration.
Market confidence remains low in France, particularly for tractors, arable, and harvesting equipment, with Germany also performing poorly in these segments. Conversely, Spain, Poland, and the UK show strong confidence, leading the European market.
-
KTM Grapples with Restructuring Efforts
Emiliano Marzoli The KTM Group, under the parent company Pierer Mobility AG, is currently navigating significant financial headwinds. Late November 2024 saw KTM AG enter a 90-day period of self-administration, a form of insolvency protection, burdened by approximately €3 billion in debt.
This move initiated a critical restructuring phase aimed at stabilizing the company’s financial position. A key milestone was reached in late February 2025 when creditors approved KTM’s restructuring plan, agreeing to a 30% debt repayment by May 23, 2025. This agreement hinged on KTM successfully raising €600 million by this crucial deadline, leading to an active search for potential investors.
-
New Milestone for Volvo EV trucks
Emiliano Marzoli Brussels, Belgium–Volvo Trucks has announced the assembly of its 1,000th electric vehicle at its Blainville-sur-Orne facility in France. This milestone underscores the expanding market penetration of electric commercial vehicles and signals a growing demand for sustainable transport solutions.
The 1,000th unit, a Volvo FE model, was delivered to the Mineris Group. The Blainville plant, a crucial component of Volvo's global electric truck manufacturing network, is strategically positioned…
-
The Financial Challenges Facing KTM
Emiliano Marzoli In late November 2024, KTM, one of the world’s leading motorcycle manufacturers, declared bankruptcy due to mounting debts totaling nearly US$3.09 billion (€3 billion). The company has since entered self-administration under Austria’s insolvency laws, granting it a 90-day protection period from creditors1. This move is part of a broader effort to restructure and stabilize the company’s finances.
The financial troubles have led to a temporary halt in production at KTM’s Mattighofen factory until the end of February 2025. This pause aims to clear the backlog of unsold bikes, with approximately 130,000 units in stock, many of which do not meet the new Euro 5+ emissions standards. The halt in production is a significant step as KTM works to manage its inventory and reduce costs.
-
Deutz and Rolls Royce Engine Deal Approved
EUROPE REPORT
Emiliano Marzoli DEUTZ and Rolls-Royce’s Power Systems division have completed the transaction for DEUTZ to take over the sales and service activities for various Daimler Truck industrial engines. The transaction relates specifically to engines with displacements from 5 to 16 litres and power output of up to 480 kW.
Under the completed transaction, DEUTZ will take over distribution of the MTU Classic model series and the MTU 1000 to 1500 engine series, which are based on three Daimler Truck engine platforms. These engines are used in a range of off-highway applications, mainly in the agricultural machinery and construction equipment sectors.
-
World Hydrogen Summit: The Hype Is Over
EUROPE REPORT
Emiliano Marzoli Rotterdam, the Netherlands–During the World Hydrogen Summit (WHS) here many industry leaders, politicians and stakeholders came together to discuss the state of the art of this growing industry. The event, held at Rotterdam Ahoy centre between May 13-15, was one of the largest global meetings for the hydrogen industry. During the conference, many topics were covered, but some were more central amongst the panels PSR attended.
The time of the hydrogen…
-
A New Path for Van Hool
EUROPE REPORT
Emiliano Marzoli Brussels, Belgium – After weeks of uncertainty and, finally, a bankruptcy, bus and trailer manufacturer Van Hool can look to the future again. The company trustee has accepted the bid from the competitor VDL – Schmitz-Cargobull. This move was seen by the trustee as the quickest and most efficient way to restart the operations without losing additional company value, and important resources.
-
Van Hool Making Major Changes
Emiliano Marzoli At a special works council recently, bus manufacturer Van Hool announced over 1,100 jobs will be lost at the company between now and 2027. The redundancies and other job losses are part of the ‘Van Hool Recovery Plan’ the company is introducing to get the business back on track.
The largest number of job losses – about 830 – are planned for this year. Bus production is now being moved to Macedonia, while trailers, industrial vehicles, R&D will remain in Flanders.
Source: VRT News. Read The Article Read This Article, Too
PSR Analysis: Van Hool has struggled recently under the pressure of competition from Chinese manufacturers. Even in the Flanders, home of Van Hool, Chinese bus manufacturer BYD was able to win a public tender for the supply of 300 electric urban busses. The biggest advantage of Chinese companies is the know how and attractive price they can offer on battery powered busses. In recent time, Van Hool has invested heavily in Fuel cells busses, but this move has not pay off.
-
Kobelco Expands European Headquarters
EUROPE AMERICA REPORT
Emiliano Marzoli Brussels, Belgium – Kobelco Construction Machinery, a Japanese firm, is expanding its European headquarters. The firm is relocating its headquarters from Almere to a larger new purpose-built facility in Lelystad.
Over the last 10 years, Kobelco has expanded its European dealer network, and therefore needed a new facility to accommodate the increase in demand for parts and support for end users and dealers.
The new facility will be made up of three main buildings, including warehouse facilities, training center and three-floor office complex. There will also be a demonstration field for Kobelco construction machinery.
Source: World Highways Read The Article
TPI
PSR Truck Production Index
Free quarterly global commercial vehicle production report.
Alternative Power Report
The latest EV and power source news including batteries and fuel cells with analysis by PSR experts.
PowerTALK News
Stay informed each month with insights from Power Systems Research’s analysts working around the world as they identify and comment on important news items in the company’s monthly newsletter.
Subscribe View Archive
OE Link™ Offers
Global Coverage
OE Link™ database provides OEM products, both On-Road and Off-Road, in 12 regions.
Current Reports
Download complimentary reports that show the type of information available from Power Systems Research.
PowerTALK News
Stay informed each month with insights from Power Systems Research analysts working around the world as they identify and comment on important news items in the company’s monthly newsletter.
Subscribe