Jan-Willem van Schaik

ENNEPETAL, Germany - The initiation of several industry initiatives during 'Sustainability Day' at Eurobike raised a lot of attention for the topic. Alexander Thun, chairperson of the CIE and CONEBI sustainability expert group gives an update on the industry initiatives.

BRUSSELS, Belgium - Massive investments in battery production supported by state aid from the Chinese government could eventually lead to the initiation of trade defence measures, including anti-dumping duties, by the European Commission. It may sound contradictory now the market for e-bikes and e-car is rising so quickly, but battery production grows so rapidly that this could become a serious problem in the medium term.

XI'AN, China - In close collaboration with metal additive manufacturing solution provider Bright Laser Technologies (BLT), frame and bicycle manufacturer Titan Super Bond has successfully printed a titanium alloy fork. The project opens up new possibilities for Chinese OEMs, expects Titan Super Bond.

TAIPEI, Taiwan - Sustainability was never a leading topic on the political agenda in Taiwan until late 2022. The country's isolated position in international organisations made sustainability an underrated issue. This situation changed quickly, and the bicycle industry picked up the topic and formed the Bicycling Alliance for Sustainability (BAS). What happened in the first year after the foundation?

MALMÖ, Sweden - Possibly the most remarkable and inventive cycling accessory, the Hövding is no longer on the market. The Swedish Hövding AB filed for bankruptcy last month after regulators stopped the sales of its main product. According to the Swedish Consumer Agency the airbag helmet doesn't inflate properly on impact.

SUZHOU, China - The rapidly growing e-bike market stood at the base of Phylion Battery's success in the past 20 years. Since its foundation in 2003, it has become one of the main suppliers of e-bike batteries. At the 20th anniversary celebration, the company announced the start of an all-new activity.

SCHIPHOL, the Netherlands - The former Yamaha Europe Vice-President, Olivier Prévost succeeds Eric de Seynes as President and CEO of Yamaha Europe as of 1 January. Eric de Seynes joins the company's Supervisory Board as Chairman.

LAS VEGAS, USA - Since the successful world's first integration of ChatGPT in an e-bike last June, Urtopia continues to develop this technology in the cycling space, emerging as the foremost AI innovator, coach, and assistant for those seeking exciting and intelligent journeys. Their last development will be on display from next week at the CES 2024 in Las Vegas.

ZEIST, the Netherlands - January is usually the time to look forward to the next 12 months. Industry peers will be happy to forget 2023 quickly. The past months gave a lot of uncertainty. The long-term outlook for the e-bike industry still created a positive mood during the Taipei Cycle Show in March 2023. How long will it take to return to this situation?

BIELFELD, Germany - He played a decisive role in multiple management positions in the past 30 years, but as part of a partial retirement plan Dirk Niermann is now leaving Hebie.