Jan-Willem van Schaik

DOETINCHEM, the Netherlands - Taiwan has strengthened its market position as e-bike supplier for the European market. Looking at the EU import statistics, this country increased its market share from 46 % in 2019 to 51 % last year.

BRUSSELS, Belgium - In contrast to the e-bike imports into the European Union, bicycle imports declined during the period January - November 2020 compared with 2019. The number of imported bicycles went down by 3.8% from 4,452,823 units in the first 11 months of 2019 to 4,283,620 units in the same period last year.

TREVISO, Italy - Elastic Interface and Giro have extended their long-time partnership. The Italian cycling pads manufacturer has been Giro's premium partner for years. Now, that partnership includes the new Supernatural gloves, which incorporate an exclusive design co-developed specifically for Giro's gloves.

SUZHOU, China - Bafang is investing in a new facility for the development and production of high-end battery packs. 'Bafang New Energy' is the project name of the third wholly owned subsidiary in China created by the e-drive systems manufacturer.

LONDON, UK - To improve its growing EU customer base, Gocycle has announced the opening of its new European subsidiary. The Netherlands-based subsidiary will include localised EU-wide fulfilment from a central distribution center in Germany. The warehouse will stock and distribute Gocycle products and accessories, fulfilling the brand's orders across the European Union.

BREMBATE, Italy - Vittoria has invested €10 million to extend its European operations in Northern Italy. The company will double its European warehouse capacity to support the market expansion in the coming years, as part of a wider program to increase the output of the Vittoria manufacturing facilities in Thailand.

TAIPEI, Taiwan - In the run up to Taipei Cycle Show next week, six gold award winners of the Taipei Cycle d&i awards as well as one Young Enterprise Award, were honoured yesterday. These gold award winners were selected out of 38 nominees.

CARREGOSA, Portugal - Polisport Group has taken over the Spanish premium cycling helmet brand Catlike. The Portuguese helmet manufacturer will now act exclusively for the development, industrialisation, production, sales, and promotion of Catlike brand and products.

CHICAGO, USA - SRAM is the new owner of the entire range of road and mountain bike pedals, cleats, and all related patents of Time Sport. The iconic brand Time Sports has finally been split-up between two companies now previous owner Rossignol Group and SRAM concluded the agreement on 18 February.

The Shimano 2020 financial report reflects the positive statements on the performance of the international e-bike and bicycle industry. However, in bicycle components Shimano's 2020 net sales came in at JPY 297,777 million (€ 2,324 million); up 2.7% on the previous year.