Current prospects for the global rail track system market are mixed according to the latest study by German consultancy SCI Verkehr. CEO Maria Leenen and senior consultant Karl Strang profile the results.
WITH an increasing number of cities constructing light rail networks in response to growing urbanisation, and ageing fleets up for renewal, the market for LRVs is expected to grow at 4% per annum over the next five years, according to the latest market study by SCI Verkehr.
THE latest survey by SCI Verkehr, Germany, of the world's 50 largest rolling stock manufacturers shows a new line up of the top 10 companies, with CAF, Hyundai-Rotem and Kawasaki being ousted by Stadler, Trinity Industries and Uralvagonzavod.
SCI Verkehr's latest study of the railway infrastructure market, which was valued at €56.9bn in 2012, identifies the structural changes underway as well as the ranking of the top players. Karl Strang of SCI Verkehr analyses the trends.
EUROPEAN railfreight reported negative results in terms of transport performance and profits in 2013 and with the weak economic situation continuing, performance remains someway off matching the pre-economic crisis high of 2007.
GLOBAL demand for diesel locomotives is recovering well from the worldwide economic recession and is expected to grow by 17% per annum up to 2017. However, deliveries in Europe are in decline and are only expected to recover slightly in the next few years.
For decades Africa has been at the fringes of railway development. However, growing international interest in its rich mineral deposits and the need to better serve swelling urban populations is transforming the continent into one of the world's most dynamic railway markets, as Kevin Smith discovers from the findings of SCI Verkehr's latest market study.
A strained climate continues to persist in the global rail industry as the abundance of new orders expected to spur a turnaround have not yet materialised.
IN its latest study, "Freight Wagons – Global Market Developments," German consultancy SCI Verkehr projects that all market regions will experience constant growth in freight wagon sales in the next five years after sales reached a record €12bn in 2012.
Despite strong growth in demand, the German rail market is facing considerable uncertainty resulting from changes in the way rail services are funded, amendments to legislation and regulation and a squeeze on public spending. Maria Leenen and Karl Strang from consultancy SCI Verkehr say the decisions being taken now are likely to have a profound effect on the entire market.
