20.03.2008

Toyota to distribute Aichi in USA

After the successful Conexpo launch of its new global scissor and boom ranges Aichi has reached an agreement with Toyota Material Handling USA, to distribute its self propelled aerial lifts in North America.

The industrial fork lift company, whose parent owns a majority stake in Aichi, will distribute Aichi through its 100 odd fork lift outlets.

Aichi USA, which is based in Glen Burnie, Maryland, will continue to handle the Aichi truck-mounted aerial lifts as well as supporting Toyota.

Alan Dotts general manager of Aichi USA said: “This is a good move for Toyota and Aichi, giving us a well developed network for after sales support and distribution.”

Vertikal Comment

This move will give Aichi immediate national coverage, but it will need the support from Aichi USA to help sell to construction rental companies. The set up resembles Manitou’s challenge in the UK and France where it has attempted to use a retail dealer network.

To be fully successful it also needs to have a ‘rental’ outlet as Manitou has found with Russon in the UK and its direct sales staff in France.

With Toyota USA now involved directly in the distribution of Aichi lifts, expect to see local production back on the agenda before too long.