BT INDUSTRIES, January-June 2003

BT INDUSTRIES, January-June 2003 Gradually stabilizing market January-June Amounts in SEK m. 2003 2002 Orders received 6,020 6,383 Net sales 5,881 6,090 Income after net financial items 338 360 Net income 201 213 Number of employees 7 808 7 733 Market development During the first half-year the global market for industrial trucks grew by approximately 5% compared with the corresponding period of 2002. Increases were primarily noted in combustion-powered counterbalanced trucks. In electric-powered trucks, where BT is mainly active, the increase was approximately 2%. "Continued uncertainty in the global economy has affected customers' willingness to invest and delayed investment decisions. In North America, demand for warehouse trucks declined by approximately 6% compared with the corresponding period of 2002. In Europe, slight volume growth has been noted, although with major differences between individual countries. In the rest of the world, demand for warehouse trucks has risen," says CEO Per Zaunders. BT´s global market share is estimated to have remained unchanged. Orders and sales During the first half-year the Group's orders received amounted to SEK 6,020 m. (6,383). The decrease is entirely due to currency effects, primarily from a weaker U.S. dollar. At comparable exchange rates, orders received rose by 2% compared with the corresponding period of 2002. Net sales amounted to SEK 5,881 m. (6,090). At comparable exchange rates, the increase was approximately 4%. Net sales for the first half of 2003 and 2002 by product area were as follows: "It is our opinion that the economical downward trend in our business has passed the bottom and from now on we should be able to see a gradually, more positive market development. Handling Innovation BT Industries is the worlds´ leading supplier of warehouse trucks and associated services. We have approximately 8,000 employees and an annual turnover of around SEK 12 bn. We have 7 manufacturing plants in 4 different countries and a global network of own sales- and service companies and dealers. Our customer base comprises mainly large consumer- oriented companies that demand very efficient material handling. BT Industries is part of Toyota Industries Corporation For further information, please contact CEO Per Zaunders at +46 142 86032, CFO Håkan Dahllöf at +46 142 86338 or Information Manager Anders Stålhammar at +46 142 86121. The complete half-year report and other press material are available on BT Industries´ home page, www.bt-industries.com. ------------------------------------------------------------ This information was brought to you by Waymaker http://www.waymaker.net The following files are available for download: http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2003/08/21/20030821BIT01010/wkr0001.pdf http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2003/08/21/20030821BIT01010/wkr0002.pdf The full report