When the CEO of Jungheinrich publicly acknowledges that the technological gap with China has not only closed but has even been turned into a lead in certain segments, it marks the end of an era.
(Source: Susanne Preuß, “The China-Welle rollt und wird in ganz Europa zum Problem” , Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.)
The market for internal transport no longer revolves around tradition versus cheap copies .
It is evolving into a field of tension between established structures and a new generation — built on native lithium technology.
🔧 A shift that has been underway for some time
Within the world of internal transport, this evolution is not a sudden turnaround, but the result of years of development.
Whereas Chinese forklifts were formerly approached primarily from a price perspective, today we see a completely different picture:
- strong progress in construction quality
- integration of lithium-ion technology as standard
- refined ergonomics and user-friendliness
- increasing digitalization of systems
The gap with traditional European brands has not only narrowed in many applications — it has disappeared completely in certain niches.
⚡ Native lithium: not an option, but fundamental
One of the most important differences lies in the approach to technology.
While European brands often integrate lithium as an evolution of existing platforms, many Chinese models have been developed around lithium from the start.
👉 This results in:
- lighter and more compact structures
- more efficient energy management
- less complexity in maintenance
- better integration with digital control (CAN bus)
Lithium is not an upgrade here.
It is the starting point.
🤝 From competition to collaboration
Jungheinrich's reaction is particularly interesting in that respect.
Instead of isolating themselves, they are opting for collaboration with a Chinese partner to enter new market segments.
Not a defensive strategy, but a pragmatic choice.
👉 If you can't beat them, join them.
It is an acknowledgment that the market has changed — and that adapting is essential to remain relevant.
⚙️ What does this mean for the user?
For the end customer, the focus shifts fundamentally.
No longer:
- brand name
- origin
- tradition
But increasingly:
- efficiency in use
- availability
- total cost over the lifespan (TCO)
The question becomes simpler — and at the same time fairer:
👉 Which solution works best in practice?
🚜 Technology in practice: HELI CBD15J-Li3
Models such as the HELI CBD15J-Li3 concretely illustrate this evolution.
- compact and maneuverable design
- integrated lithium battery
- Digital control via CAN bus
- modular and energy-efficient construction
This type of device demonstrates that innovation today is no longer bound by geographical origin.
👉 The benchmark has shifted from origin to performance.
🧠 Our vision at Immer-Goed
At Immer-Goed, we follow this evolution closely.
We believe that the future lies in:
- technology that is functional and reliable
- solutions tailored to the application
- transparency in price and performance
Not in clinging to old perceptions.
The choice of a device must be based on practical experience — not on the logo.
🎯 Conclusion: a new reality
The market has changed.
Not abrupt, but fundamental.
The rise of Chinese technology is not a temporary trend, but a structural shift in the playing field.
The question is no longer whether these players will play a role,
but how big that role becomes — and how quickly the market adapts.
💬 Finally
The debate about “German reliability” versus “Chinese alternatives” is making way for a new reality:
👉 Quality is determined by technology and application today
👉 not by origin
And perhaps that is the most honest evolution of all.
Source: Susanne Preuß, “The China-Welle rollt und wird in ganz Europa zum Problem” , Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.
👉 Curious what this evolution specifically means for your application?
We are happy to think along with you.
