Used test equipment market grows in Europe

According to a Frost & Sullivan Report, "European Used Test and Measurement Equipment Markets," the European automotive, aerospace, defense, electronics, and telecommunication industries are finding increased value in used test and measurement equipment. In industries where test systems are designed to support applications for many years, used equipment represents a way for companies to replace failed equipment without needing to update code or software.

Used instruments such as oscilloscopes, network analyzers, signal generators, spectrum analyzers, electric counters, and power meters and multimeters are enumerated in the report. Frost & Sullivan surveyed approximately 30 companies, looking at the distribution structure of direct sales, channel partners, distributors, dealers, and Internet sales. The report offers roadmaps for Germany, UK, France, Italy, Scandinavia, Benelux, and other regions.

Timely availability of used equipment has proven the biggest impediment to acceleration of the market. Frost & Sullivan anticipates that competition and value-added services such as calibration and free software will enhance the balance between supply and demand.

Looking ahead at the 2005 to 2011 timeline, the report expects the main drivers for used equipment to include customer awareness about the secondary market, the availability of exact models to extend an installed base, and the entry of OEMs to increase quality. Likely market restraints include prospective buyers considering used equipment as a risk, a general economic slowdown, and misrepresentations by sellers creating confusion and hesitation. A companion report on the North American used test and measurement equipment market is also available. www.frost.com.