Jan-Willem van Schaik

SEOUL, South Korea - South Korean battery maker Samsung SDI has said it will roll out solid-state batteries early next year in its pilot production line near Seoul. Solid-state batteries are regarded as 'next-generation products,' which experts point out are safer and more powerful than conventional lithium-ion batteries.

BRUSSELS, Belgium - To meet demand for e-bikes on Europe's markets, the increase of e-bike imports is outperforming investments in local production. In 2021 the total import hiked by almost 30% from 884,862 units in 2020 to 1,144,597 e-bikes last year.

BERGAMO, Italy - Vittoria reports the construction of the world's first all-discipline cycling experience, innovation center and knowledge hub for bicycle tyre development. Called Vittoria Park, the testing facility and proving ground will open in September.

WELS, Austria - The cooperation between a group of surface finishing suppliers, the sppot, launched its first live event to present the industry the latest trends in colours and innovations. More than 250 people were reported to attend the event at TIGER Coatings in Austria.

HEERENVEEN, the Netherlands - The take-over of Accell Group by Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. LP (KKR) and Teslin Alpine Acquisition has entered an all new phase now that Accell Group has provided more clarity on the acceptance of the order.

OSAKA, Japan - Economic sanctions imposed on Russia by Western nations have created global energy shortages and a sudden rise in raw material prices, putting downward pressure on personal consumption, reports the Japanese components manufacturer in its Q1-2022 financial statement. Nevertheless demand for bicycles is still high according to Shimano.

SUZHOU, China - The severe spread and skyrocketing infection of COVID-19 figures in the Shanghai area, including Suzhou, has posed a major challenge for e-bike system manufacturer Bafang. Recent lockdown measures have escalated difficulties like raw material shortages, sluggish logistical efficiency, severe supply delays in Corona-related sealed-off areas and suspension or impediment of battery exports.

BRUSSELS, Belgium - High-level keynotes, CEO panels, business leaders, European policy makers and academics are on the line-up of this year's Cycling Industries Europe (CIE) Summit. During the event on 12 May, industry experts will debate current trends, innovations, leadership topics and visions for 2030.

FOSHAN, China - The home appliance giant Midea Group took over the e-bike drive system manufacturer Motinova. Midea Group, a well-known Fortune 500 company founded in 1968. Recently Midea announced a 11 billion yuan (€1.56 billion) investment schema to establish a new business for the production of parts for new energy vehicles. The take-over of Motinova is part of that strategy.

HARDERWIJK, the Netherlands - The formerly Scottish company announced the opening of its first e-service branch for the maintenance of electric vehicles in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Here, but also in other locations, e-bikes will now also be repaired according to the quick service model.