Dahon Again Record Breaking despite Financial Crisis

DUARTE, US – The question is whether folding bike specialist Dahon is breaking all its sales records despite the financial crisis or thanks to the current “economically trying times”, as Dr. David Hon, president and CEO of Dahon (photo) calls it. For him it is thanks to as 2009 pre-orders indicate that next year will also be a strong for Dahon.

The company is set to finish 2008 with a 30% surge in sales and is with that on track to produce half a million bicycles in 2008. Pre-orders for 2009 are also strong and Dahon expects to continue its healthy growth rate.

“We are fortunate to be in an industry that offers consumers an environmentally sound product that people are finding ever more relevant in economically trying times,” stated president Hon.

Encouraging sign

“It’s not just Dahon that is doing well however; other bicycle companies that are focused on higher-grade products are also doing well and that’s a very encouraging sign. We are seeing increasing numbers of consumers turn to bicycles for transportation and they are demanding better and higher quality products.”

Dahon’s sales were good in traditionally strong markets like Europe and the US but saw especially strong growth in Asia where governments have stepped up efforts to increase bicycling infrastructure. Dahon has also experienced a significant increase in the average price/bike as customers choose higher quality bicycles.

“Our 2009 preseason orders are very strong and in fact we’ve already filled our current production capacity,” continued Dr. Hon. “The tight credit markets and large currency fluctuations are a concern though and we need to monitor these carefully. But on the whole, we continue to experience strong consumer demand. We’re very positive as we head into 2009 and are encouraged by the number of people looking to bicycles as a transportation solution.”