MUNICH , Germany , April 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Caterpillar Inc.(NYSE: CAT) will showcase its machines, engines and customer solutions to thousands of visitors beginning Monday, 23 April at the opening of Bauma 2007,the world's largest construction industry trade show. Throughout the week-long show, visitors will see more than 60 Cat machines on display. All are new or improved models that set the industry standard for quality, technological innovation and value.

"Since the last Bauma in 2004, we have invested more than $3 billion in research and development to update our entire product line and incorporate state-of-the-art technologies that are more productive and more environmentally sustainable," Caterpillar Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jim Owens said. "During bauma 2007, Caterpillar, alongside our dealer, Zeppelin, has a tremendous opportunity to engage customers and showcase our products and services in a region of the world that is key to the company's success and future growth."

New products on display include the 992K large wheel loader,953D track-type loader, D-series medium-size hydraulic excavators, M318D andM322D material handlers, H-series compact wheel loaders, C-series multi-terrain loaders and skid steer loaders, and a number of new work tools. Many are on display for the first time to our European, African, and Middle Eastern and Commonwealth of Independent States markets. All feature the new PowerEdge(TM) trade dress -- the new combination of colors, striping, decals and trademarks that appear on Cat products -- which captures the essence of the Caterpillar brand: quality and reliability.

More than 400,000 visitors are expected at the show. In addition to showing the best solutions and products available in the industry, Caterpillar will help equip customers with everything they need, including financial services and product support options. All are presented in simple, easy-to-understand packages that ensure customers get the best service options through every step of the equipment lifecycle.

In 2006, sales in the Europe , Africa , Middle East and Commonwealth of Independent States markets represented nearly a quarter of the company's overall sales and revenues, or approximately $10.6 billion. In addition, products manufactured in European Cat facilities are sold worldwide. To reach its 2010 goal of more than $50 billion in total sales and revenues, Caterpillar will continue to invest in new products, technologies and services as well as increase manufacturing capacity. Dealers around the world are also investing to increase their product support capabilities.