The European engine that could

We focused heavily on Europe and its economy per the request of OEM Off-Highway's inquisitive readers. To do so, we again enlisted the help of well-respected consulting firm AlixPartners to analyze this struggling region. The outlook is not bright for the developed continent. Being developed is actually a large reason why the outlook is so dim in the first place, which came as some surprise to me. During economic hardship, it can be difficult to combat a down economy when there is not a large up-and-coming demographic of future consumers, nor a need for new infrastructure development; and Europe's strong correlation between GDP and construction equipment sales only further demonstrates the slow to no growth potential in the equipment market.

This month's issue heads to bauma, the largest construction and mining tradeshow of the year, and often considered the largest in the world. Only taking place every three years, this show is set to be its greatest yet with exhibit space selling out almost a year in advance. Learn more about the show and the products and technologies set to launch in Munich on page 38.

Our market forecaster Frank Manfredi also took a crack at dissecting the struggling European market, but also pointed out the effect bauma can have on equipment sales globally and what impact, if any, it could have for the European region this year. His digital exclusive column can be found online by searching 10885754 at www.oemoffhighway.com or found in our free digital edition (subscribing is quick and easy at www.oemoffhighway.com/subscribe).

Once again, our expanded Economic Outlook section is available in print with additional charts for the defense, mining and trucking markets to offer a more well-rounded perspective of the off- and on-road equipment markets we cover. You can have the information sent directly to your inbox by signing up for the monthly Economic e-newsletter--which also means you get four more economic installments not seen in print! The economic newsletter sign-up can be found on the same subscription form as our digital edition at www.oemoffhighway.com/subscribe.

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