Used equipment market in Europe reflects changing demand in rental and transportation sector

Ritchie Bros. publishes report on used equipment market trends in the second quarter of 2025 

Ritchie Bros. has released its report on trends in the European used equipment market in the second quarter of 2025, highlighting key shifts in demand for rental machinery and transport vehicles. 

The report, based on transaction data from Ritchie Bros. and Mascus ads across Europe, provides comparative insights into sales prices, hours of use and locations of buyers for the best-selling categories of transportation and lifting equipment. 

The report highlights key market indicators for different categories of equipment and offers insight into how the market has changed from the same period last year. 

Mixed trends in the AWP industry 

Telescopic telescopic handlers posted mixed results compared to last year. Sales volume increased in the first quarter but fell 9% in the second quarter compared with the same period last year, despite a 4% increase in the median price to about €28,000 per unit. 

The items sold were generally older and had more user hours, indicating limited supply or a shift in buyer preference toward budget-friendly alternatives. 

At Ritchie Bros. auctions, transaction volume declined for aerial platforms by 20%, but median prices increased by 7% to about €9,000. The data indicate continued interest in machines with fewer hours of use or better maintenance, with the demand being mainly for older but well-maintained machines. 

In contrast, there were scissor elevators the only category of lifting machines that showed growth in sales volume, with an increase of 2%. However, this growth was accompanied by price pressure, with median prices falling by 11% to around €1,800. Demand on Mascus also reflected this trend, with a year-on-year increase of 17%. The combination of lower prices and higher usage indicates a shift in the market toward more cost-conscious purchasing decisions. Bijster 3 4817 HX Breda, The Netherlands ritchiebros.co.uk 

Transportation equipment: high volumes and price corrections 

The European market for trucks is undergoing a major transformation due to major technological developments and regulatory changes, particularly the shift to zero-emission vehicles. 

In the second quarter of 2025, median prices for trucks at Ritchie Bros. auctions fell by 24% compared to the same period in 2024. This decline reflects buyers' increasing focus on operational efficiency and total cost of ownership, favoring functional, more heavily used trucks over newer or lightly used items. 

Auction sales were up 7% from last year, with rising demand from emerging international markets such as Egypt highlighting growing export opportunities outside Europe. 

The first half of 2025 was a period of remarkable growth for the European market for vans. With rising volumes, increasing prices and market share, vans are strengthening their role as an important part of regional logistics and fleet management. 

Vans performed strongest within the transportation segment, with sales volume up 38% year-on-year and a quarterly record. Growth was driven by demand from sectors such as last-mile delivery, trade and municipal services. The increase in volume was accompanied by stable vehicle quality. Median prices increased by 7% to around €4,800, while age and level of use remained unchanged, indicating steady demand for used vans. 

Key conclusions from the second quarter of 2025 

"Buyers across Europe are adapting their strategies to respond to changing operational requirements and cost factors within the lifting and aerial work platform industry." explains Duncan Ainscough, International Head of Sales at Ritchie Bros, out. He continued: "Meanwhile, sweeping regulatory and technology changes are redefining the overall playing field, and we are also seeing growing international buyer interest, particularly in markets outside of Europe. This trend increases the opportunities for re-marketing used machinery & vehicles through our transaction channels." 

The full report now available for free download and provides an in-depth analysis of the current equipment landscape in Europe and actionable insights for industry stakeholders.