Jan-Willem van Schaik

KORTRIJK, Belgium - The Velofollies is known as the trade and consumer show which kicks-off the season, often in a positive mood. Whether this is realistic at the moment is a big question, given the problems in the industry. The great enthusiasm of almost 40,000 visitors ensured that the exhibitors dared to be cautiously positive about the 2025 market again.

TAICHUNG, Taiwan - In an attempt to improve the financial situation, bicycle manufacturers massively tried to lower their inventory levels even when it came with huge discounting. Giant Group managed to mitigate its decline in turnover to 7.4% as the company's 2024 monthly revenue report shows. This is compared with a decrease of 16.4% in 2023.

BENTONVILLE, USA - Open to companies based in North America, Europe, and Asia, an innovative program dedicated to promoting 10 tech startups focused on cycling has been initiated by the Arkansas Global Cycling Accelerator (AGCA). The accelerator will offer a 10-week hybrid program designed to support cycling-related tech innovation.

WARSAW, Poland - In 2025 a series of significant industry trends will mark the future development of the bicycle and e-bike industry. One of these trends is the ongoing reshoring of production and improving market flexibility by manufacturing in Europe instead of Asia.

ARHUS, Denmark - Promovec Group A/S, supplier of e-bikes and drive systems, has acquired the remaining 25% of battery manufacturer Viridus Manufacturing A/S. This acquisition marks the end of the joint venture partnership with Chinese company Greenway.

HEERENVEEN, the Netherlands - Accell Group's chief operating officer (COO) Jonas Nilsson, will become CEO of the group, succeeding Tjeerd Jegen, who is stepping down and will transition to chair of the group's supervisory board. The CEO transition will take place over the coming months, up until 1 April, 2025, with the Chair transition taking place later this year, to allow for a cool-off period in line with good governance practices.

ROME. Italy - The micro mobility market in Italy will have to adjust to a series of restrictions as part of the mandatory new highway code. These include the usage of a helmet, but also a mandatory license plate and insurance. These restraints are a new setback for this highly popular micro mobility product, although Italy is certainly not the first country in Europe which restricts the use of e-scooters.

ASOLO, Italy - Selle Italia has acquired Vittoria cycling shoes, which has been developing and manufacturing cycling shoes in Italy for almost fifty years, for an undisclosed amount. Giuseppe Bigolin, President of Selle Italia, "As we did in 2016 with Selle San Marco, we are gearing up to expand our range with a company that has always believed in technological development, in style and in the Made in Italy brand. Just like us."

MEPPEL, The Netherlands - The full extent of the problems in the Dutch e-bike market are becoming increasingly clear with the next insolvency of pure player Amslod founded in 2015. Like Stella E-bike, Amslod started as an online retailer which later opened shops to provide better service, but never became as successful as Stella E-bikes.

COLOGNE, Germany - From the start of next year, Georg Honkomp will hand over his position as chairman of the board of Europe's biggest dealer cooperative, German ZEG, to his successor Fred Schierenbeck.