The European motors market is unlikely to recover much in the short term, according to a new analysis. The study*, by the analyst Frost & Sullivan, looks at AC and DC motors larger than 0.75kW, and predicts a slow growth in total sales from $2.14bn last year, to $2.34bn by 2009 (representing the shipment of around eight million motors).

Motor suppliers are experiencing "an arduous business environment" resulting from a combination of factors including the weak global economy, falling prices, the decline of industrial activity in Germany, weakening confidence in many user sectors, and a shrinking demand for DC motors.

Demand for AC motors is flat with the strongest application sector being the HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning) market, where sales are expected to be worth $315.3m by 2009. At present, the biggest demand comes from the pumps, valves and compressors market, which accounted for more than a quarter of European motor sales last year.

Just four suppliers - Siemens, ABB, Leroy-Somer and Brook Crompton - had European market shares of 5% or more during 2002. Other suppliers with significant shares in certain regions or in application sectors include: VEM (in Germany); Alstom and Ansaldo/HVE (in the high voltage market); Thrige, Sicme and Sauer-Danfoss (in the DC market); ATB; Cantonimotor, Lafert, FKI Marelli; Electro Adda; WEG; Loher; Teco and Baldor.

* The European market for integral horsepower motors (report B128). Price €5,500.