KION North America has launched a Quick Ship Program to ensure short lead times for its Linde Material Handling EPA-accredited Class IV and Class V offerings.

KION is promising short lead times for Linde Class IV and Class V forklifts

The assurance comes in the wake of Toyota's halt to production and shipping of ICE forklifts from its Columbus plant due to delays in obtaining US engine emissions certification.

KION notes that the materials handling industry has seen exponential growth since the start of the year, causing a huge demand for industrial trucks with limited available inventory. "This need requires immediate availability and access to emission-compliant equipment and engines. Linde Material Handling is pleased to confirm its full accreditation of EPA standards and its complete ability to deliver all its highly efficient trucks," the company says in a statement.

KION says its Quick Ship will work "in unison with ongoing production lines that eliminate delivery delays, ensuring customers receive the products they need when they need them and without disruption".

Last month, Hyster-Yale confirmed the uninterrupted production and EPA emissions certification of ICE-powered Hyster and Yale brand lift trucks.

Hyster-Yale stressed that the full complement of ICE-powered Yale and Hyster forklifts are ready to be quoted, ordered and deployed to help keep supply chains moving.