Jan-Willem van Schaik

HEERENVEEN, the Netherlands - "We saw good sales levels and continued strong profit accretion in the second half of 2021 through November," said Accell Group CEO Ton Anbeek in a trading update published today. While the company still reported sales decline in the first half of this year, it is now much more positive on the expected full year results.

TAICHUNG, Taiwan - The integration of Foming TW ChangWa this year was the final stage of the consolidation of the DDK-Group. It also marks a €7 million investment in Vacuum Fitting Technology which makes the saddle leather fit automatically without manual nailing, giving the saddle an almost perfect finish.

MEDOLLA (MO), Italy - The e-bike systems manufacturer Oli celebrated the company's 60th anniversary with the opening of a new state-of-the-art production facility in Medolla (MO). Oli holds a long track record in electric motor production. This expertise made Oli decide to enter the expanding e-bike market in 2015.

BRUSSELS, Belgium - European Union finance ministers agreed on 7 December to change EU rules so that they can cut the Value Added Tax (VAT) on goods and services linked to fighting climate change and health protection. This includes bicycles.

MILAN, Italy - Yadea debuted a full line-up of new products at EICMA 2021 last month including electric motorcycles, e-mopeds, e-bikes and e-kick scooters. Founded 20 years ago, Yadea now announced their market entrance in Europe.

DEBICA, Poland - The pandemic gave a major push to sales of Polish manufacturer Romet Group. For this year the company expects to increase sales by as much as 40% from PLN 322 million (€70 mln) to PLN 450 million (€98 mln). The net profit (EDITBA) is expected to amount to as much as PLN 45 million (€9.8 mln) this year.

TAIPEI, Taiwan - The second year with the Covid-19 pandemic brings new challenges to Taiwan's bicycle industry. Last year was a rollercoaster with order cancellations in March followed by a sharp increase in order volume. In 2021, it is all about component shortages,

TORONTO, Canada - After a Kickstarter campaign in 2015, Peter Boutakis founded folding bike company Helix. The company expanded quickly and has recently opened its first production line for robotically TIG welded frames.

LELYSTAD, the Netherlands - Willem Buitenhuis has stepped down as general manager of Giant Benelux on 1 December to enjoy his retirement. He joined Giant in 2005 and a lot has changed in his time at the company since then.

KARLSTEIN AM MAIN, Germany - To improve its service level, BMZ will provide e-bike dealers an extended 24-month warranty on all e-bike products purchased from BMZ. These new conditions for its warranty services are effective from December 2021.