Used Equipment Market in Europe Reflects Changing Demand in Rental and Transportation Industries

[Breda, Netherlands – 1 September 2025] – Ritchie Bros. has released its Q2 2025 Used Equipment Market Trends Report – European Edition, highlighting key shifts in demand for rental equipment and transportation vehicles.

The report, built on Ritchie Bros.’ transaction data and Mascus listing activity across Europe, provides comparative insights into selling prices, usage hours, and buyer locations for top-selling transportation and lifting equipment categories.

Key market indicators across different equipment categories are highlighted in the report, offering insight into how the market has shifted compared to the same period last year.

Telescopic handlers recorded mixed year-over-year results. Sales volume rose in Q1 but declined by 9% in Q2 compared to the same period last year, despite a 4% increase in median price to around €28,000.

The units sold were generally older and had higher meter readings, suggesting limited supply or a shift in buyer preference toward budget-friendly alternatives.

Boom lifts faced a 20% decline in transaction volume at Ritchie Bros. auctions, yet median prices rose by 7%, reaching approximately €9,000. The data indicates continued interest in units with lower usage hours or better maintenance, with demand leaning toward older but well-preserved equipment.

In contrast, scissor lifts were the only lifting category to record year-over-year growth in sales volume, increasing by 2%. However, this growth came alongside pricing pressure, with median prices falling 11% to approximately €1,800. Demand on Mascus also reflected this trend, rising 17% year-over-year. The combination of softer prices and higher usage points to a market shift toward more cost-driven purchasing decisions.

The European truck tractor market is undergoing a significant transformation driven by major technological advances and regulatory shifts, particularly the move toward zero-emission vehicles.

In Q2 2025, median prices for truck tractors at Ritchie Bros. auctions dropped by 24% compared to the same period in 2024. This decline reflects buyers’ growing focus on operational efficiency and total cost of ownership, favoring functional, higher-usage units over newer or lightly used stock.

Volume auction sales increased by 7% year-over-year, with rising demand from emerging international markets such as Egypt highlighting expanding export opportunities beyond Europe.

The first half of 2025 marked a period of notable growth in the European cargo van market. With rising volumes, firming prices, and expanding market reach, panel vans are solidifying their role as a key asset in regional logistics and fleet operations.

Panel vans recorded the strongest performance within the transportation segment, with sales volume increasing by 38% year-over-year and reaching a quarterly record. The growth was driven by demand from sectors such as last-mile delivery, trade, and municipal services. The rise in volume was accompanied by stable asset quality. Median prices increased by 7% to approximately €4,800, while age and usage levels remained unchanged, indicating consistent demand for used cargo vehicles.

“Buyers across Europe are adjusting their strategies to align with evolving operational demands and cost factors within the lifting industry,” explains Duncan Ainscough, International Head of Sales at Ritchie Bros. He continues, “Meanwhile, significant regulatory and technological changes are reshaping the landscape, and we’re also witnessing growing international buyer interest—particularly in markets outside Europe. This trend is broadening the opportunities for remarketing used equipment through our transaction channels.”

The full report is available now for free download, providing an in-depth analysis of the current landscape and actionable insights for industry stakeholders.