Jan-Willem van Schaik

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia - As a long-term bicycle exporter, Cambodia is now rapidly expanding its production of e-bikes for overseas markets. The bicycle factories in the special economic zones (SEZs) in Bavet City seem to have survived the drop in exports since 2023 and are now stepping into the e-bike market as well.

BAUNACH, Germany - Despite its long-standing history and supplying to over 2,500 customers in more than 60 countries, Messingschlager's key activities were largely known only to industry insiders. In the past decade, the company expanded into various business fields, which became very distinct over time. "Demand from customers these days is so much more diverse than just a product at a competitive price," says Messingschlager CEO Christoph Bantle.

ZEIST, the Netherlands - The carefully knitted global network of bicycle component manufacturers, brands, assemblers and distributors is under pressure. The industry is unable to regain control of the supply chain after major disruptions during the pandemic, in combination with an overestimated market potential. It is not only a self-inflicted problem, and finding solutions requires drastic steps.

EDINBURGH, UK - Intra Drive, the United Kingdom-based e-bike component developer, has secured €600,000 toward an extended €850,000 seed round. The new capital will support the transition from pilot units to commercial production of its GD8 integrated gearbox powertrain. Since displaying at Eurobike in 2021, Intra Drive has focused on building a European supply chain and industrialising its e-bike motor unit with a multi-speed gearbox.

AMSTERDAM, the Netherlands - After a 25-year career, of which 15 years were in the role of CEO, Janus Smalbraak resigned at Pon to pursue a new professional challenge. Smalbraak announced this resignation at Pon in a LinkedIn post earlier today. Volkswagen Financial Services AG CEO Christian Dahlheim has been appointed to succeed Janus Smalbraak.

BERLIN, Germany - The growing importance of cycling in the mobility mix brings new challenges to the industry. Consumer expectations and product requirements are shifting quickly and will continue to change in the years ahead. The 'user of tomorrow' was the key topic at a recent ZIV Technology Conference. What does this mean for construction, safety, and design? How is the industry meeting these demands with technological innovation?

BRUSSELS, Belgium - The CONEBI and CIE merger has reached two important milestones this week, with the announcement of a new name and the election of the new board and president. The Confederation of the European Bicycle Industry (CONEBI) and Cycling Industries Europe (CIE) will be renamed as European Cycling Industries, as decided last weekend during an extraordinary general meeting. This announcement marks the start of the new organisation representing the bicycle industry in Europe.

BRUSSELS, Belgium - In an open letter, European manufacturers, logistics companies, and cycling logistics operators have urged the European Commission to maintain the existing legal framework under EU Regulation 168/2013, including its application to cargo bikes. "Recent proposals by the German industry organisation ZIV to cap assistance ratios, peak power and vehicle weight would undermine real-world usability," the letter stated.

SHENZHEN, China - Zhaowei may not be a household name, but there is a good chance its gears power nearby moving products, from car components to office or household appliances. Every day, millions of gears in any possible size are pumped out of its Dongguan, Suzhou and Shenzhen-based factories. Marking a first for the Chinese ODM, it has now entered the e-bike drive market with its own brand identity, Preeto.

MASER, Italy - Sidi's transition from family ownership to Italmobiliare's investment holding has brought a profound change in management style and day-to-day operations. The latest quarterly results show a significant increase in revenue, although operating profit is still negative.