Date : April 30, 2024
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The Role of Public Transportation in Boosting Escalator Demand in South America.

The Role of Public Transportation in Boosting Escalator Demand in South America.
The economic condition can be said to the reason the region has been restrained from crossing a share in the global elevator & escalator market. While income inequality has diminished across much of the region in recent years, social vulnerability remains widespread and institutional weaknesses continue to plague efforts to achieve fair development. The major market drivers in the South America region are the recovery in the construction industry, the surge in private-public partnerships, and the rapid urbanization in the region. Over the past few years, the South America elevator and escalator market registered sluggish growth in terms of several new installations, owing to the increase in the increase in the number of constructions in the region. In addition, increasing construction activities in the commercial vertical would further stimulate the growth of the market in the coming years. The unsuitable existing elevator design hampers the scope of modernization. The dominance of the rest two segments has been in fluctuation with a negligible difference. The maintenance segment will continue to dominate the market revenue share because of increasing safety regulations and a high urbanization rate. There are significant demands for up gradation of the installed base to cater to the needs of its ever-increasing user base.

According to the research report, "South America Elevators and Escalators Market Outlook, 2029," published by Bonafide Research, the South America Elevators and Escalators market is projected to add more than USD 1700 Million from 2024 to 2029.The market is gaining momentum on the back of surging construction in commercial, industrial, and residential buildings. Energy efficiency has become a key trend nowadays, and so is the development of energy-efficient escalators. The pro-business policies of the government being implemented are likely to improve the overall economic outlook, which would drive growth over the coming years. The Brazilian market has been largely characterized by contracting growth owing to the high degree of political instability and corruption scandals surrounding the government, which has deterred investor sentiments. With the change in U.S. trade policies, the growth of Argentina is likely to be affected during the forecast period. Other countries like Chile and Peru are expected to perform well during the forecasted period. Major companies in the South America elevator and escalator market include Hitachi Ltd., Kone Corporation, Mitsubishi Electric, Otis Elevator, Schindler, and ThyssenKrupp.

Brazil is currently the dominant force in the South American escalator and elevator market, driven by rapid urbanization, infrastructure development, and the increasing demand for smart and sustainable mobility solutions. The country’s construction boom, particularly in metropolitan areas like S?o Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Bras?lia, has fueled the demand for high-performance vertical transportation systems in residential, commercial, and public infrastructure projects. The rise in luxury apartments, high-rise office buildings, and large-scale shopping malls has further accelerated the adoption of advanced elevator and escalator technologies. Brazil's public transportation sector is another significant contributor to market growth, as metro stations, airports, and bus terminals integrate high-capacity escalators and moving walkways to handle growing commuter traffic. The government’s investment in smart city initiatives and sustainable urban mobility is also pushing the industry toward energy-efficient elevators with regenerative braking, AI-based predictive maintenance, and IoT-enabled monitoring systems. Additionally, the modernization segment is thriving as older buildings upgrade their vertical transport systems to enhance safety, energy efficiency, and accessibility. The enforcement of strict building codes and safety regulations ensures that property developers and facility managers prioritize elevator and escalator maintenance, creating a robust demand for servicing and replacement parts. With continuous innovation and infrastructure expansion, Brazil remains the leader in South America's escalator and elevator market.

The South American elevator, escalator, and moving walkway market is witnessing steady growth, driven by urbanization, infrastructure development, and modernization efforts. Countries like Brazil, Argentina, and Chile are investing in high-rise buildings, shopping centers, airports, and metro stations, increasing the demand for efficient vertical transportation. The expansion of public transit systems has particularly fueled the adoption of escalators and moving walkways, as governments prioritize passenger convenience and accessibility in crowded urban centers. Sustainability is becoming a critical focus, with manufacturers introducing energy-efficient elevators, smart escalators with motion sensors, and regenerative drive systems. The use of IoT and AI-based predictive maintenance solutions is growing, allowing operators to optimize performance and reduce downtime. Furthermore, stringent safety regulations and building codes are pushing developers to install modernized and high-capacity elevators in both new and existing structures. Despite economic fluctuations in the region, the demand for premium residential towers, commercial complexes, and mixed-use developments continues to drive market expansion. With a growing emphasis on smart infrastructure and urban mobility, South America's elevator, escalator, and moving walkway industry is set to experience significant advancements in the coming years.

The new installation segment in South America’s elevator and escalator market is expanding as cities experience rapid urbanization and high-rise construction projects. Brazil, Argentina, and Chile are leading in new commercial and residential developments, requiring advanced vertical mobility solutions. Real estate developers are integrating high-speed, energy-efficient elevators and smart escalators into modern buildings to enhance accessibility and efficiency. The maintenance and repair sector is also seeing strong growth due to aging elevator infrastructure in older buildings. Many existing installations require frequent servicing to comply with updated safety regulations and performance standards. Facility managers and property owners are investing in predictive maintenance technologies that use IoT and AI for real-time monitoring and early fault detection, reducing unexpected breakdowns and downtime. The modernization segment is gaining momentum as older structures upgrade outdated elevator and escalator systems to improve safety, efficiency, and sustainability. Many buildings are switching to gearless traction elevators, regenerative braking systems, and touchless control panels, aligning with global trends in smart infrastructure. With increasing government initiatives to improve urban mobility and building safety, South America’s elevator and escalator market is evolving toward more technologically advanced and eco-friendly solutions.
The residential sector in South America is experiencing a surge in demand for modern elevators and escalators, driven by the rise in luxury apartments, gated communities, and high-rise residential complexes. As urban populations grow, property developers are integrating space-saving and energy-efficient elevator systems to enhance convenience and property value. In addition, home elevators are gaining popularity among high-end homeowners, offering accessibility solutions for multi-story residences. The commercial sector, including shopping malls, office buildings, and hotels, remains a dominant segment for escalators and moving walkways. With the rise of large retail spaces and business hubs, property developers are focusing on aesthetic, high-speed, and intelligent elevator solutions that improve customer and employee mobility. Airports and metro stations are also incorporating moving walkways and high-capacity escalators to manage the increasing flow of passengers efficiently. The other segment, including healthcare, education, and government buildings, is growing steadily as hospitals, universities, and public institutions invest in reliable, high-performance vertical transportation. Hospitals, in particular, require specialized elevators with antibacterial surfaces, emergency power backup, and smooth acceleration for patient transport. With advancements in touchless technology and AI-driven monitoring, South America’s elevator and escalator market continues to evolve to meet diverse industry needs.
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The Role of Public Transportation in Boosting Escalator Demand in South America.

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