Jan-Willem van Schaik

SAN VENDEMIANO, Italy - Shortly after the change of FAC Michelin SRL to Miche S.R.L, the company has announced the appointment of Gregory Girard as its new CEO. Former CEO Luigi Michelin led the company for decades, leaving an indelible mark on the history of this traditional Italy company.

WICKEDE, Germany - The bicycle industry knows many innovative companies which often remain hidden from the general public. In Germany, the South Westphalia Chamber of Commerce puts these companies in the spotlight and has recognised 165 of these hidden champions. One of them is Wilhelm Humpert GmbH & Co. KG.

SHANGHAI, China - During the bustling China Cycle 2024, which took place from May 5-8, insiders gave the first, cautious indications of a market recovery for the industry. That was in line with the positive signals heard at Sea Otter Classic which took place a week earlier in Monterey, California. Unlike the struggle with excess inventory in Europe and North America, China is experiencing a recreation cycling boom.

TAIPEI, Taiwan - For portable battery module manufacturer and distributer C-Tech United Corp. the e-bike industry means new business. To distinguish itself from the many other battery pack suppliers, C-Tech also developed a final product to showcase the features of its batteries.

MALLABIA, Spain - The turbulent 2023 market conditions with instability, excess supply and widespread discounting among competitors that deteriorated margins and, in some cases, questioned the sustainability of business, writes Orbea in its annual report. For Orbea the market situation resulted in a 6.4% decrease in turnover.

GENEVA, Switzerland - E-cargobikes are becoming an increasingly common sight on our city streets. They offer a sensible and sustainable alternative to fossil-fuel-powered vehicles. However, without strict safety standards, they also present a risk to riders and other road users. Chih-Hao Lien, Assistant Manager at SGS Hardlines Lab in Taiwan asks: What does the publication of the EN 17860 series of standards for carrier cycles mean for suppliers of e-cargo bikes and the safety on our urban streets?

PARIS, France - The French government has called for investment projects to take the country's bicycle industry to the next level, both in quality and quantity. The program is part of the government initiative to support innovation and modernization of the transport sector in France by 2030.

TAIPEI, Taiwan - The introduction of tyre carcasses and anti-puncture fabric made of recycled fishing nets gave Formosa Taffeta a successful introduction into the bicycle industry. Companies like Schwalbe, Vittoria, CST and Kenda all embraced this product to make their tyres more sustainable.

SHANGHAI, China - The Chinese market followed a different pattern in the past years compared with Europe and North America. High inventory is much less of a problem and the market is currently experiencing a recreation boom. How that will impact the business will be a much-discussed item at the China Cycle Show which opens its door from 5-8 May in Shanghai.

ZEIST, the Netherlands - The combination of economic and political challenges created difficult times for the international bicycle industry. However, for financial specialist Ralf Kindermann the component of green mobility still makes the bicycle industry highly attractive for investors. What other trends in the market, including the digitalisation in the supply chain, the current oversupply in combination with price increase and sustainability will lead the market this year?