Frost and Sullivan finds that new opportunities for market growth will push revenues in the European Laser Welding Equipment Market from $542.8 millio

The German electric drives market is seeing growth in a variety of new, intelligent, multi-functional products.
The German electric drives market is seeing growth in a variety of new, intelligent, multi-functional products, as end-users seem to be showing a preference for these units for space, cost saving and ease of installation reasons. Technology advancements reflect trends such as decentralisation of drives, higher safety and security and integration of Ethernet in the communication process. Frost and Sullivan finds that the German Electric Drives Market earned revenue of $778.1 million in 2004 and estimates to reach $884.1 million in 2011.

'As parts of the market become more demanding, in terms of technological integration, the drives market must adapt its offering to fit with the increasingly complex and automated manufacturing environment,' states Frost and Sullivan Programme Manager Richard Tamworth.

The growing popularity of factory automation systems, such as SCADA and DCS, means that drives need to communicate as part of a wider manufacturing network.

Some drives manufacturers are already positioning themselves to take advantage of this trend while others are being squeezed out by increasing price competition from Far eastern manufacturers at the less-intelligent end of the market.

The German market remains a key target for new manufacturers, despite its relative maturity.

As a result, new competitors from regions, such as China and South Korea, are entering the market in order to establish positions.

Current market participants will need to be aware of the threat posed by new entrants, offering low cost options.

'Western manufacturers have traditionally felt that developing economies are not capable of producing similar quality products,' notes Mr Tamworth.

'However, many Chinese companies are building their plant, processes and products to very high standards, and this, together with their low production and labour costs, will allow them to offer products for lower prices than European competitors'.

The challenge here will be to prevent these companies from gaining a foothold in the market and changing the market's existing perception.

At the same time, existing suppliers need to emphasise their traditional strengths and reputation within the market.

Where new manufacturers may offer purchase cost advantages, existing suppliers may be able to offer superior servicing and personal service.

If you are interested in a virtual brochure, which provides manufacturers, end users and other industry participants an overview of the latest analysis of the German Electric Drives Market, then send an e-mail to, Corporate Communications, at magdalena.oberland@frost.com with the following information: your full name, company name, title, telephone number, fax number, e-mail address and source of information.

Upon receipt of the above information, an overview will be sent to you through e-mail.

German Electric Drives- End User Analysis part of the European Electric Drives Research Service, provides an overview and outlook for the market.

This study has been segmented into AC Standard Electric Drives Market, DC Standard Electric Drives Market and AC Servo Electric Drives Market.

This research includes detailed market opportunities and industry trends that have been evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants.

Interviews are available to the press.

Frost and Sullivan, a global growth consulting company, has been partnering with clients to support the development of innovative strategies for more than 40 years.

The company's industry expertise integrates growth consulting, growth partnership services and corporate management training to identify and develop opportunities.

Frost and Sullivan serves an extensive clientele that includes Global 1000 companies, emerging companies, and the investment community, by providing comprehensive industry coverage that reflects a unique global perspective and combines ongoing analysis of markets, technologies, econometrics, and demographics.