Breda (The Netherlands), 15 January 2025 – Ritchie Bros., the world’s largest industrial auctioneer and leading marketplace for used heavy equipment, concludes the year 2024 with the remarkable success of its "Finish Strong, Start Stronger" campaign.
This year-end initiative was designed to help equipment owners optimize their strategies and maximize the value of their assets while offering buyers access to high-quality equipment across a wide range of industries. Showcasing Ritchie Bros.' unparalleled sales solutions and extensive international reach, the campaign delivered record-breaking participation and significant equipment sales through 11 unreserved auctions in key markets worldwide.
End-of-Year International campaign results at a glance
- Volume of sales: Over 19,000 equipment lots sold across diverse industries, including construction, agriculture, transportation, and mining, marking a 25% year-over-year growth.
- Global participation: The campaign attracted more than 22,700 registrants across auctions in Europe, the UAE, and APAC region, underscoring Ritchie Bros.' international appeal.
- Top 5 buyer countries: Buyers from Australia, Spain, Italy, France, and Germany led the way, reflecting the company’s global reach and robust buyer network.
- Top 5 equipment categories sold:
- Mini Hydraulic Excavators – Over 1,000 lots sold
- Hydraulic Excavators – Crawler – Over 500 lots sold
- Agricultural tractors – Over 480 lots sold
- Boom Lifts – Over 680 lots sold
- Wheel Loaders – Over 370 lots sold
“Ritchie Bros. stands out as Europe’s leading company for equipment transactions and heavy equipment services, driving record-breaking participation at our end-of-year sales events. Our unmatched global reach, world-class service, and diverse sales solutions set us apart, ensuring we deliver exceptional results for our customers. Ritchie Bros. continues to set the gold standard in auctions across Europe, making us the first and only choice for buyers and sellers. We don't just compete in the heavy equipment transaction space—we lead it with unparalleled scale and performance", said Duncan Ainscough, Head of International Sales at Ritchie Bros.
Key outcomes from Ritchie Bros. Pacific – Australia and New Zealand
Ritchie Bros. Pacific closed the final quarter of 2024 with strong performances across Australia and New Zealand, showcasing the region’s dynamic growth and resilience. The quarter featured seven auctions—six in Australia and one in New Zealand—with impressive results that underline the trust and engagement of buyers and sellers across the region.
Australia: A stellar quarter with 6 auctions
Ritchie Bros. Australia delivered outstanding results, conducting six auctions that collectively sold more than 4,800 lots. These events attracted more than 8,390 registered bidders from over 120 countries, with more than 2,140 buyers successfully securing equipment. The auctions highlighted the continued strength of the Australian market and its appeal to international buyers.
Top equipment sales included a 2024 Kenworth T659 6x4, which sold for A$495,000, a 2022 Cat D6 Next Gen for A$440,000, a 2022 Volvo FH16 10x6 for A$385,000, a 2015 Cat 374F LME for A$305,000, and a 2021 John Deere 8R 310 4WD for A$272,500.
Dom McGlinchey, Ritchie Bros. Regional Sales Manager, Australia South & New Zealand, noted: “We saw a significant increase in bidders and buyers this year, which is a direct result of our strategic marketing efforts across digital, social, radio and more. These campaigns outperformed our competitors, creating real buzz around the auction and driving exceptional traffic. This year’s end-of-year auction has set a new benchmark for us. It’s clear our approach is resonating with the market. We’re already looking forward to building on this momentum in 2025”.
New Zealand: A milestone with its first unreserved auction
In New Zealand, Ritchie Bros. made a significant impact with its first unreserved auction on the IronPlanet platform, selling 260 lots. The event attracted more than 660 registered bidders, with more than 150 buyers, 140 of whom were based locally. The remaining buyers were from offshore markets, with equipment shipped to destinations as far as Peru, the Netherlands, and the United States.
Among the top sales were a 1997 Cat D8R sold for NZ$146,000, a 2011 Doosan DA40 for NZ$136,500, a 2013 Hyundai HL770-9 for NZ$102,500, a 2012 Hyundai HL770-9 for NZ$94,500, and a 2008 Kenworth T908 6x4 for NZ$115,000.
“Our unreserved auction method continues to prove its effectiveness, even in challenging economic conditions like those currently faced in New Zealand. It generates excitement, fosters healthy competition, and ultimately delivers outstanding results for both sellers and buyers. The numbers speak for themselves”, says McGlinchey.
Looking Ahead to 2025
Ritchie Bros. Pacific is set to build on this momentum in 2025, with its next auction scheduled for March 3-4 in Australia and March 20 New Zealand. Additionally, Ritchie Bros. continues to offer a wide range of equipment sales through its Marketplace-E platform, ensuring ongoing opportunities for customers worldwide.
For more information on Ritchie Bros.’ services and upcoming auctions, visit: rbauction.com.au.