Volvo Construction Equipment president Martin Weissburg shared the sentiments of many manufacturers, reporting improved profitability through 2016, but uneven sales growth among its key markets. 

But the fourth quarter of 2016 offered a portent of hope, with a 20% increase in sales compared with the same period in 2015. The Americas trended slightly downward last year, Weissburg added, although North America is showing signs of improvement.