Toyota Forklifts Europe

• August 2004 - TICO confirmed global leader
• August 2004 - Success for Norwegian trip
• July 2004 - 7IC attempting to cross Norway
• July 2004 - Central European presence
• June 2004 - New Deluxe Cabin
• March 2004 - 7IC approved by 250,000
• March 2004 - New electric tow tractors
• February 2004 - IMHX fair in Birmingham

The extreme durability and quality of Toyota forklifts have helped a Norwegian forklift driver achieve a world-first as well as raise thousands for charity.

Ove Alstad has successfully driven a Toyota forklift, featuring the new Toyota Deluxe cabin, from the southern-most point of Norway, Lindeness, to the most northerly point, Nordkapp. The 7IC 2.5 ton vehicle ran perfectly during the 2670 kilometre, 17 day journey.

Ove Alstad commented: "The Deluxe cabin ensured that I had the most comfortable drive possible and that I could continue in all weather conditions. The air conditioning was particularly useful as the sun shines for 24 hours at the North Cape and the temperature reached 30 degrees centigrade! I am delighted to have completed this journey and to have raised money for orphaned children in Russia."

Jan Høgli, sales director, Toyota Truck Norway added: "The truck was in operation for 17 days clocking up 160 hours so was certainly put through its paces. The vehicle did not experience any problems throughout, which is a testament to the quality of Toyota products."

The first person to ever attempt this route by forklift, Ove completed his journey on 19 July and had the backing of Toyota Truck Norway, which sponsored him to the equivalent value of the state-of-the-art vehicle.

Ove's journey was followed closely by local press, radio and TV and culminated in a congratulatory breakfast with the Mayor of Trondheim, representatives from Toyota Truck Norway and Toyota Industrial Equipment Europe. 

Press Releases 2004

MMH, August 2004 edition

August 2004 - TICO confirmed global leader TOYOTA INDUSTRIES CORPORATION MAINTAINS WORLD LEADING POSITION

The "Modern Materials Handling World Ranking 2004" has named Toyota Industries Corporation as the global leader in materials handling for a fourth consecutive year.

Based on 2003 turnover, Toyota is ranked well ahead of its nearest competitor with worldwide revenue increasing by over $1 billion to $4.23 billion. Made up of the top 20 suppliers, the list also reflects that worldwide forklift sales have increased significantly since 2002.

Further strengthening its leading position, a recent Nikkei survey has ranked Toyota as the number one player in the Japanese forklift market with a 42.6% share of domestic sales in 2003. Toyota's dominant share increased by 1.4% in 2003 as a result of its "overwhelming brand recognition and marketing power", according to the survey. Links with overseas partners and the well-timed introduction of new products were also recognised.

Shinya Furukawa, President of Toyota Industrial Equipment Europe said: "This is an excellent achievement and testament to the quality of our products and customer-focused approach. As the global leader we are continually enhancing our range of equipment and service network enabling us to provide leading materials handling solutions for customers across a range of industries. The quality of our engineering team ensures that we continue to innovate, providing customised materials handling equipment to meet customers' individual requirements."

Toyota Industrial Equipment exported its first forklifts from Japan in 1958 and has developed a leading reputation for quality, safety and reliability. In Europe, the business has over 250 dealers in 24 countries and is constantly expanding its sales, distribution and after sales network.