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.

The Taipei Cycle Show returns from March 26 to 29, 2025, at halls 1 and 2 of the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center. Recognized as a leading B2B event in the cycling industry, the show is expected to host 950 companies from 35 countries, occupying 3,600 booths. It remains a key meeting point for high-end bicycle supply chains, with a focus on innovation and sustainability.

HUTTWIL, Switzerland - As predicted, Flyer production is being relocated to ZEG's Kettler factory in Germany. Only a skeleton team for Swiss dealer support will remain at the Swiss site in Huttwil. They will remain alongside sister company Biketec GmbH with its connectivity solution FIT which has not been affected by the exodus, but only after intense negotiations.

GÜTERSLOH, Germany - Another well-known traditional company in the German bicycle industry is facing financial difficulties that can't be solved by themselves anymore. Both Sprick Cycle GmbH and its parent company Sprick Holding GmbH filed for provisional insolvency on 27 December, according to an announcement of the insolvency court.

TAOYUAN, Taiwan - Taiwan's specialty bike manufacturer Pacific Cycles Inc., is having to deal with great sadness. On 9 January, president Michael Lin passed away peacefully at the age of just 57.

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.

BERLIN, Germany - Young urban e-bike mobility brand Lemmo, which was launched by Hypaths GmbH, celebrated its exhibition debut on the sporting goods show Ispo Munich 2024. In a small space at the Ispo BrandNew Hub in Hall B2, the newcomer put the spotlight on what it claims is a newly defined product in the city bike category.

BERLIN, January - NOCA, the Berlin-based software company pioneering master data management for the cycling industry, has added Christian Koll-Schwarze to its team as Business Development Lead. With more than 20 years of experience in the cycling industry, his role will involve positioning NOCA to transform the way cycling businesses manage their data in the OEM and aftermarket.

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.

Over the past decade, JCL Logistics has grown into perhaps the largest logistics service provider for the bicycle industry in the Benelux and West Germany. With the opening of a new storage facility for lithium-ion batteries, the company is set to deliver even more tailored services.

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.

HAMBURG, Germany - 82% of supply chain professionals in China expect container prices to rise in January 2025, according to a survey by Container xChange. The survey also highlighted that supply chain participants are preparing for three key disruptions this year; tariffs, geopolitical risks, and structural overcapacity. These disruptions are expected to keep demand and supply dynamics volatile well into 2025 with a potential impact on the bicycle industry.

LONDON, UK - When looking for an indication of how dire the current market situation is in the bike industry, look no further than the recent financial results of folding bike manufacturer, Brompton. The renowned British manufacturer has reported a dramatic decline in profits, plummeting from £10.7 million (€ 12.9 million) to just £4,602 (€ 5,543) for the fiscal year ending March 2024.

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.

TERNDRUP, Denmark - As part of its continued growth investments, Danish online bike retailer Cykelgear, has merged with fellow Danish e-commerce business, Cykelpartner. Although the agreement unites the two online platforms under the same corporate group, both will continue to operate as independent brands in Denmark. The financial details of the deal have not been disclosed.

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."

ZEIST, The Netherlands - In late 2023, after a difficult year, industry insiders were looking hopefully towards the new year. However, predictions of inventory level recovery and stability in the market were pushed back at every contact moment during 2024; from Taipei Cycle at the beginning of the year, to Taichung Bike Week at the end. This 'hope' was abandoned in the second half of the year as insolvencies and closures began to dominate the headlines. As hopes now push forward to those that have 'survived to 2025', here, a perhaps unwelcome look back at 2024.

TAICHUNG, Taiwan - Giant Group will start 2025 with a new executive leadership team following the announcement that long-standing chairperson Bonnie Tu will officially retire. The Group's board of directors has approved the appointment of current CEO Young Liu as the new Chairman. The current chief branding officer Phoebe Liu has been promoted to CEO. These changes will take effect January 1, 2025.