KNORR-BREMSE recorded consolidated sales of €2·7bn in 2005, 13% up on the 2004 figure of €2·4bn. Orders were up 16% to €2·85m, and net income rose 18% to €154m.

The Rail Vehicle division accounted for €991m of last year's sales, up from €944m in 2004, but the Commercial Vehicle sector in Europe and the Americas was the main contributor to the growth.

Positive development in the rail business in the Americas and Asia was 'able to offset the sharp downturn in demand' in the 'depressed and stagnant' European market. There was a particular downturn in sales in Germany, with falling brake sales only partly offset by growth in onboard equipment activities.

The rail vehicle market in Asia continues to grow. In China, Knorr-Bremse secured major orders totalling €160m to supply equipment for metro cars, main line locomotives and multiple-units. Knorr-Bremse also won further orders for platform screen doors and for air-conditioning, which is a new focus for the company.