Italy is home to a number of respected forklift manufacturers, known for innovation, quality, and specialized designs. While "Cars" is not a recognized forklift brand, several prominent Italian manufacturers produce forklifts for the automotive and other industries, including Carer, Cesab, and Mariotti. This guide provides an overview of the leading Italian forklift brands and their key offerings.
Carer – High-Capacity Electric Forklifts
Carer is a specialized manufacturer of electric forklifts based in the province of Ravenna, Italy, in the automobile industry region outside Bologna. Since 1976, the company has produced only electric, high-lift-capacity forklifts. Engineers make up about 40% of Carer's workforce, driving continuous innovation.
Key Series:
A Series (15,000–66,000 lbs): Developed with input from the port, lumber, and steel industries. Features include a triangular battery compartment for easier capacity increases, overhead tilt cylinders for greater stability, twin drive motors with a high-volt operating system, and regenerative braking. The A300X offers 66,000 lbs capacity with a 48” load center.
Z Series (13,000–40,000 lbs): Designed for extremely tight spaces with a compact footprint achieved by elevating the battery compartment and placing the rear steer axle beneath it. Ideal for steel distribution, aerospace, automotive, paper, and cement industries.
Carer forklifts support loads up to 20 tons and are widely used in the paper, automotive, beverage, and lumber industries. The company operates through a global dealer network. Distribution for North America, including parts and technical support, is based in Seattle and Vancouver.
Cesab – A Historic Brand with European Manufacturing
Cesab Material Handling Europe was founded in 1942 in Bologna, Italy. The company's forklifts are designed, manufactured, and tested in Europe across factories in France, Italy, and Sweden.
Key Highlights:
History: Produced its first electric forklift in 1951 and its first diesel forklift in 1954. In 1993, Pininfarina designed Cesab trucks, creating the legendary Blitz range.
Product Range: Includes electric and diesel forklifts, reach trucks, warehouse trucks, and rough terrain forklifts.
Network: Operates a wide network of 134 independent dealers across Europe.
Service: Offers consultations, operator instruction, safety inspections, preventive maintenance, genuine spare parts, and ASEC certification.
Cesab models include the ECO/P 85 high-capacity electric forklift (1984) and the Blitz range designed by Pininfarina.
Mariotti – Compact Electric Sit-Down Riders
Mariotti is an Italian manufacturer specializing in compact electric sit-down rider forklifts. The company celebrated 100 years in 2020. Mariotti forklifts are available in load capacities from as little as 750 pounds to 3,000 pounds, making them adept in warehouses and production facilities where space is limited.
B-P Battioni e Pagani – Diesel and Electric Forklifts
B-P Battioni e Pagani S.p.A. is an Italian manufacturer of diesel and electric forklifts. The company is UNI EN ISO 9002 certified and has been UNI EN ISO 9001:2000 certified since 2002.
Ferrari – Heavy-Duty Container Handlers
C.V.S. SpA produces heavy-duty forklift trucks under the Ferrari brand. These are designed for container handling with lifting capacities from 25 to 50 tons at a 1200 mm load center. Features include modular mast configuration, inverted fork mounted spreaders, fixed or telescopic top spreaders (20'-40'), and a compact wheelbase for minimum turning radius.
Other Notable Italian Manufacturers and Brands
FIORA: Manufacturer of side forklift trucks, including 4-way, multidirectional, and order picker side loaders, based in Turin, Italy.
Italcarrelli: With over 60 years of experience, produces forklifts and autonomous AGVs with advanced logistics software.
FTMH (Fantuzzi Team Material Handling): Specializes in material handling equipment, including container lift trucks, forklift trucks, and reach stackers.
Bolzoni: An Italian group with 16 branches and 7 production plants globally, headquartered in Piacenza, with a Research and Development center in Italy.
Italian Forklift Dealers and Service Providers
Several Italian companies provide sales, rental, and service for forklifts:
CAR SERVICE SRL: Hyundai Material Handling dealer with over 40 years of experience, operating in Turin, Italy.
VECAR Group: Operates in Italy and across Europe, offering commercial consulting, hire, scheduled maintenance, and certified forklift operator courses.
GF Car: An Italian company specialized in forklifts and warehouse handling equipment.
Lucar SRL: Specializes in the sale, hire, and servicing of forklift trucks in north-eastern Italy.
Conclusion
Italy has a rich heritage in forklift manufacturing and material handling. While "Cars" is not a specific forklift brand, the country is home to several world-class manufacturers, including Carer (high-capacity electric forklifts), Cesab (a historic brand with a wide European network), and Mariotti (compact electric sit-down riders). Additionally, Ferrari (C.V.S. SpA) produces heavy-duty container handlers, and numerous other companies offer specialized solutions and dealer services. These Italian manufacturers are known for their innovation, quality, and specialized designs serving industries such as automotive, steel, ports, lumber, and paper worldwide.