Scooping the prestigious 2012 iF Product Design Award for our Concept Forklift has put us in reflective mood.
We asked ‘What does the future hold for the world of materials handling?’ Here’s what some of our leading thinkers had to say…
“Customers will always need to move things from A to B, so perhaps little changes. What matters is how efficiently they want to do it, and how important they believe it should be done with respect to the environment and their own operators. Elegant design solutions need not result in more expensive, complicated products or harm the environment. In fact, tackling such problems with flair and passion will become expected, not simply desired.”
Chinwon Park, CEO, DIV Korea
“Whatever the oil price, it’s likely the pressure on fleet managers to consider alternative fuel sources to diesel will continue to increase for the foreseeable future. We also see two different directions between the more established countries and emerging markets. In North America & Europe, for example, AGVs are becoming more popular. Comfort is also a big factor in the market, as are alternative fuel sources. Rental also gives many fleet buyers big purchasing power. In the emerging markets it is a little simpler and customers want a ‘no-frills’ value for money machine.”
Young Lee, Overseas Marketing Team Leader, DIV Korea
“Only the hungry, smart and innovative will survive. Forklifts do a very simple job, yet there is so much choice for buyers to consider and we must be able to differentiate our products and our services from the rest of our competition. We all know there is no magic formula, so we have to be creative and proactive in getting our message across to the buyers in the most effective way as possible. If predictions are correct it’s going to be another tough year for the economy, and manufacturers will have to follow the demand of their customers even more closely. With this in mind, customers will be expecting more “Down to earth” products that do the job efficiently, more economically and most importantly at great value for money. As this is the Doosan way of thinking, our success for the future will be tough but it is secured. For our part, we are focused on new cabin designs offering greater rigidity and stability; reducing emission levels on our core diesel range, as well as incorporating lessons learnt in our construction division for our newest 18 tonnes series.”
Paul Watson, General Sales Manager, DIV UK
“Developments like lithium-ion batteries and hybrid technologies, although existing for a number of years, are only now becoming a practical reality. The rocketing cost of fuel impacts on any business and the dramatic cost savings on offer can no longer be ignored. The reduced carbon footprint associated with lower fuel usage means customers are now seriously looking at this technology. We see improvements in the way fleets are run and managed as truly offering the best ways to save costs long term.”
Jason Reynolds, Rushlift, UK Sales Director
“In forklift business, the entry barrier is not high. Since brand power is one of the key buying factors, especially, in emerging markets, the competition among manufacturers to secure a share of the new market is intense. I expect that mergers and acquisitions will be more frequent in order to build up stronger dealer networks and product line-ups. So, it is necessary to make our aftermarket offering as strong as possible and develop the strongest dealer network.”
Sung-kyo Suh, Director, Business Management, DIV Korea
“In addition to cost/price involvements I believe that in order to compete, forklift sales organizations will have more and more to take the role of full “product + service + financial solution” suppliers.”
Rolando Del Miglio, DIVEU Italy
“Advancements in the performance and reliability of electric counterbalance forktrucks are making them a more viable alternative to IC engine trucks than ever before. Of course fuel costs are a big driving factor, however the responsiveness of the latest electric equipment gives the performance of an engine powered truck with fast acceleration, fast travel speeds and is also suitable for outdoor use. Elsewhere, we see the application of innovations such as the standard fitting of digital load checkers, improvements in battery charge technology and regenerative braking makes electric the growth market of the future.”
Stephen Burton, Managing Director, Windsor Materials Handling
“The future is getting back to functionality and usability – back to the basics! As this is the Doosan way of thinking, our success for the future will be tough but it is secured! Manufacturers will have to follow the demand of their customers even more closely – not a cheaper product in price but in ownership. They have to satisfy the market demands from A-Z. Customers expect products without sophisticated bells and whistles that do the job efficiently and more economically. Suppliers need to provide a perfect analysis of the application – “the right truck in the right place” – to maximize the operation and minimize downtime. In short, the future will bring better ergonomics, less noise and vibrations (so the driver can also be more efficient), lower emissions, better fuel/battery economy to lower costs and help the environment and easy servicing.”
Ton De Hollander, DIVEU France
