Dahon Inks Patent License Agreement with National/Panasonic

TAIPEI, Taiwan (10 February 2000)--Folding bike manufacturer Dahon California, Inc. has announced the license of its Japan patent #1647153 to National/Panasonic, one of Japan's leading bicycle manufacturers. The patent covers the design of a folding steering column that is crucial to minimizing the folded size of a portable folding bicycle. "National/Panasonic's reputation for innovation and engineering excellence is second to none," stated Dr. David Hon, president of Dahon. "We're proud to partner with them and bring our expertise in folding bicycle technology to their products. As the market for portable folding bicycles continues to grow, we look forward to further opportunities to work together." The market for portable folding bicycles is growing rapidly in Japan and Dahon expects to announce additional patent license agreements in the near future. Dahon produces own and OEM branded complete bicycles, designs and manufactures folding frames and components for many leading bicycle manufacturers, who then assemble the bicycles themselves and licenses its key technology to selected bicycle manufacturers such as National/Panasonic. Dahon is headquartered in California and has factories and offices in Taiwan, China and the Netherlands. (JW)