North America 

In North America, demand for new equipment clearly picked up compared to 2004 and was strong for residential, office, and retail solutions. The clear growth in demand for machine-room-less elevators was particularly positive for KONE. Higher oil prices and natural catastrophes caused some market uncertainty.

The service market showed steady growth, but competition continued to be intense. Growth is particularly evident in repairs and modernizations as the functionality of older buildings vis-à-vis new ones needs to be ensured.

In North America, 2005 was successful for KONE, especially with regard to order intake. The company secured, for instance, an order for all elevators for the 97-floor Trump International Hotel and Tower in Chicago, a 414.5-meter tall skyscraper that will be the second tallest building in the United States.