Jo Beckendorff

ZIRNDORF, Germany - At Eurobike 2018 Metz made its debut in the e-bike industry as a supplier of mid-motor systems. The introduction of the high-quality, Made in Germany manufactured e-step scooter 'Moover' got even more attention. Both projects failed and Metz Mecatech GmbH applied for insolvency on 25 August.

DEL MAR/Ca., USA - With Uwe Kalliwoda, Benno Bikes founder and managing director Benno Baenziger has brought an experienced industry player into the team, who after an extensive career and two-year time-out, will become an actively involved partner and help the US brand realise its growth ambitions.

GRÄFELFING, Germany - With four new jobs in the field of e-mobility that have been created over the last few months, K.W. Hochschorner GmbH - founder and long-time supplier of e-bike components, as well as a specialist for training computers and navigation, Ciclo (formerly Ciclopsort) - is setting its future course.

IDSTEIN, Germany - Storck Bicycle GmbH celebrating its 25th anniversary this year took a new 50% shareholder on board. Company founder and managing director Markus Storck sold 25% of his shares to investor Stefan Lohwasser. He also acquired Decathlon's 25% share in Storck Bicycle.

REUTLINGEN, Germany - With its recent investment in charging infrastructure in the Swabian Alps, European e-bike-kit market leader, Bosch eBike Systems, has made it clear that in the long term, they also "want to improve charging options not only in holiday regions, but also in urban areas."

TAICHUNG, Taiwan - On 13 August, Giant Group announced not only its financial second quarter and half year 2020 results but also the official operational start of production at its new European factory in Gyöngyös, Hungary. In times of increased demand and empty warehouses, the timing of this European facility close to the market could not have been better.

COLOGNE, Germany - From 11 to 23 August German biggest dealer cooperative, Zweirad Einkaufs Genossenschaft eG (ZEG), invites its IBD partners to its traditional house show. A new addition this year is the Accell Group. Europe's largest premium bike supplier with its German brands Ghost, Haibike, and Winora have been added as a contract supplier to ZEG's wide product portfolio.

VELDHOVEN, the Netherlands - Darfon Europe has announced a collaboration between its e-bike premium brand BESV and Grofa Action Sports GmbH. The traditional German bicycle importer will take over exclusive BESV distribution rights in Germany and Austria.

ROSSANO VENETO, Italy - With the recently announced investment of private investor Pamoja Capital SA in Wilier Triestina, the 1906 founded traditional Italian bicycle manufacturer aims to expand its presence on the world market. How much Pamoja Capital, a family-run Canadian investor based in Switzerland, paid for their minority stake, has not been disclosed.

SCHWÄBISCH-GMÜND, Germany - Bike supplier Advanced Sports GmbH invited their main international sales partners/agents and IBD partners to its house show at the end of July. Visitors had a chance to see what's in store for the around 180 season 2021 Breezer, Fuji and SE Bikes bicycle models.