KION reported higher revenue from its automation business in the first nine months of 2026, while orders in its industrial truck and service segment declined slightly. The 29 October results provide a view of two different parts of the material-handling market, though they do not establish lead times or prices for individual forklift buyers.
What the company reported
Group revenue rose 3.9% from a year earlier to €8.522 billion. Industrial Trucks & Services revenue was €6.034 billion, compared with €6.079 billion a year earlier. The company said unit shipments increased, but a greater share of entry-level warehouse trucks affected the revenue mix.
Order intake for the truck and service segment was €5.897 billion, down from €5.970 billion. The company attributed the change in part to the regional and product mix, including a larger share of Asia-Pacific business and entry-level warehouse equipment. These figures cover the first nine months, not a single quarter.
Intelligent Automation Solutions revenue increased 16.9% to €2.519 billion, according to the group. KION attributed that increase to growth in its project business. Group adjusted EBIT reached €632.5 million, compared with €575.4 million in the same period of 2025.
Why the distinction matters to buyers
For buyers comparing forklift fleets with warehouse automation, a supplier’s group-wide result should not be treated as a quotation or a forecast for a particular product. Truck procurement and integrated automation involve different delivery scopes. A useful comparison separates the machines, service, controls, integration and commissioning included in each offer.
KION said it revised its 2026 outlook on 14 October, before publishing these results. The company linked the revision mainly to truck and service order intake that had not developed as anticipated. A revised outlook is a company forecast; it does not by itself show that any particular order will be delayed or that a local dealer’s service will change.
Questions for a purchase or project review
- Which truck configuration, battery, charger and support package are included in the written offer?
- What lead time applies to the quoted configuration and which dates are contractual?
- For an automation project, who is responsible for integration, testing, commissioning and ongoing software support?
- What spare-parts and service arrangements are available at the operating location?
Evidence boundary
The figures above are from KION’s own dated release and have not been independently audited by ForkliftIQ. They describe the group and its reported segments, not every model, market or dealership. Compare current offers through the supplier directory and prepare a consistent specification in the sourcing workspace.
Source · KION GROUP AG · 29 October 2026:
https://www.kiongroup.com/en/Press/Press-Releases/Press-Releases-Detail.html?id=486077511&title=KION+grows+revenue+and+profitability+in+the+first+nine+months+driven+by+Intelligent+Automation+Solutions&type=corporate