IN its latest study, "Freight Wagons – Global Market Developments," German consultancy SCI Verkehr projects that all market regions will experience constant growth in freight wagon sales in the next five years after sales reached a record €12bn in 2012.

Despite strong growth in demand, the German rail market is facing considerable uncertainty resulting from changes in the way rail services are funded, amendments to legislation and regulation and a squeeze on public spending. Maria Leenen and Karl Strang from consultancy SCI Verkehr say the decisions being taken now are likely to have a profound effect on the entire market.

A surge in rolling stock procurement and infrastructure investment is required in Germany in the near future to meet growing demand for rail transport. However, doubts exist over the level of funding available for these projects.

The global market for rolling stock maintenance is growing faster than that for new build and is slowly opening up to third parties. But according to Henry Koppermann and Maria Leenen of SCI Verkehr, Germany, the market remains very diverse worldwide.

THE global railway track system market remains on course for steady growth despite the budget crisis in the Euro zone and the slowdown in upgrades in China, according to the latest market study by German consultancy group, SCI Verkehr.