Jan-Willem van Schaik

TAIPEI, Taiwan - Notwithstanding all the reports about packed warehouses in Taiwan and high inventory levels at distributors and dealers worldwide, the shipments of e-bikes from Taiwan to global markets were at a very high level throughout 2022. Component shortages appeared to be less problematic last year than in 2021, so the assembly could run at full capacity.

OSAKA, Japan - Once again, Shimano reported a major increase in net sales last year, despite the slowdown in bicycle sales compared to 2021. However, Shimano also raises its concern over the global market and forecasts a 20% decline in net sales for 2023 for the whole company.

VELKE ORVIŠTĚ, Slovakia - Bicycle manufacturer Kellys will make an important step forward with the introduction of two remarkable products next month. Both Kellys Theos F100 and the Theos R will feature notable developments.

LEMELERVELD, the Netherland - Originally introduced 12 years ago, the Danish company Bike2 was probably ahead of its time with the launch of their pedal generator. They have now partnered with Alligt to bring a finished product to market successfully.

STRASBOURG, France - The European Parliament's resolution on developing an EU Cycling Strategy tasks the European Commission with doubling the number of kilometres cycled in Europe by 2030. The call marks a recognition of cycling as a fully-fledged mode of transport and key industrial asset to meet long-term climate and clean manufacturing objectives.

TALINN, Estonia - To strengthen their joint position in the micro-mobility industry, two Estonian companies Ampler and Kõu Mobility Group have signed an investment and share-swap agreement. Kõu Mobility took over 51% of the Ampler share for an undisclosed amount.

ROSSANO VENETO, Italy - To create a viable future for Wilier Triestina, the Italian family-owned business attracted new investments via Pamoja Capital SA in 2020. In an exclusive interview with Bike Europe, Wilier Triestina CEO Andrea Gastaldello elaborates on how this partnership worked out.

TAICHUNG, Taiwan - SRAM has been a committed manufacturer in Taiwan for over three decades, dedicated to producing bicycle components for the high-end cycling market. With an investment in a new factory, SRAM is expanding its capabilities in Taichung.

BRUSSELS, Belgium - To inform the industry on recent developments on the position of the bicycle in future vehicle-to-vehicle communication regulations, CONEBI hosted a workshop on January 31st.

MADRID, Spain - The production of bicycles in Spain increased last year to 353,036 units, 6.1% more than in 2021, the Spanish Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism has reported. While the year started with a rise in the value of bicycles made, the end of the year shows a completely different picture.