LJUBLJANA, Slovenia - The landscape of the Slovenian bicycle market is drastically changing again. The Slovenian market is getting closely connected with Croatia, the newest member of EU. Soon these two small countries will transform into one market as far as bicycles are concerned.
HUTTWILL, Switzerland - After doing the same in Austria recently and earlier in other countries Swiss e-bike manufacturer Biketec AG (maker of Flyer) now takes control over its distribution in the Benelux countries; one of its most important markets. Biketec has taken over Benelux importer Amazing Wheels.
OSAKA, Japan - In its summary of the company's 2015 financial results Shimano reports on brisk demand for high-end, e-bike related products in Europe. Despite lower sales volumes, Shimano still managed to continue its double digit growth in 2015. Net sales in bicycle components increased by 14.6% to JPY 314,010 million (€2,463mn) while operating as well as net income increased with even bigger numbers.
STOCKHOLM, Sweden - The real significance of this beautifully shaped wooden bicycle helmet concept is the use of material. It's not the first or only wooden bicycle helmet out on the market, but it's first with shock absorbing foam that is mainly made out of wood.
LONDON, UK - Supported by the Welsh Government and the HSBC bank, Frog bikes will be opening a new factory in the UK shortly. According to Frog Bike's press release "the production is expected to commence this summer."
WARSAW, Poland - According to the enthusiastic headlines of the business press, bicycles are a trendy product these days in Poland. Celebrities and hipsters, together with successful athletes, are contributing to an increased popularity of cycling in Poland. Manufacturing and sales are looking good.
CORK, Ireland - Wiggle and Chain Reaction Cycles announce today that they are to merge to further strengthen their position in the global online retailing world of cycling, running, swimming and triathlon (tri-sports) products and accessories.
PRAGUE, Czech Republic - According to the national statistics office the Czech Republic is still a net exporter of bicycles. In the past twelve months some 228,000 bicycles were imported while 393,000 units were exported, mainly to EU markets. These figures are pretty similar to past two monitored periods, showing the stability of the bicycle industry.
BRUSSELS, Belgium - Current market conditions in Europe are not disrupted by the November 26 European Court of Justice's verdict that cancelled the dumping conviction of Giant China. In the next year's the company's export of regular bicycle to the EU will continue to be taxed with 48.5% dumping duty. This is the result of an appeal filed by the European Bicycle Manufacturers' Association (EBMA).
BIG FLATS, USA - In a long-fought battle between Stan's NoTubes and Specialized the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit decided to uphold a previous ruling by the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, which had declared Stan's NoTubes' US Patent to be valid.
WETTER, Germany - The Germany security product supplier Abus is closely involved in the development of a dedicated speed e-bike helmet for the North European market. Together with the Dutch standardization institute NEN the requirements for this helmet that complies with the ECE 22.05 standard are laid out at the moment.
CHICAGO, USA - Delivery of SRAM's latest development in shifting technology: the electronic SRAM Red eTap started in Europe. Distributors in several countries like Juncker Bike Parts in the Netherlands are proudly presenting SRAM's wireless shifting to dealers.
ZWOLLE, the Netherlands - NuVinci Cycling is expanding its OEM and dealer-related activities. For OEMs the Fallbrook Technologies Inc. owned company hired a technical coordinator. For dealers NuVinci is expanding its successful Test and Service Partner Program from Benelux to Germany.
BRUSSELS, Belgium - The European Bicycle Manufacturers' Association (EBMA) had filed an appeal on the cancellation of Giant China's dumping conviction. Tomorrow is the deadline for the appeal period. During the appeal period the 48.5% anti-dumping duty imposed on bikes made by Chinese producers including Giant China and imported into the EU will stay in place.
SANGERHAUSEN, Germany - Yesterday German newspaper 'Handelsblatt' reported that MIFA will start producing Peugeot bicycles for Cycleurope and that eventually the entire Cycleurope production in France is to be transferred to MIFA. MIFA owner and CEO Heinrich von Nathusius and export manager Dieter Scholz told Bike Europe what exactly is happening between the two companies.
JINHUA, China - US private equity firm Riverside Company, owner of Sigg Switzerland AG since November 2003, sold the traditional drinking bottle company to Chinese Zhejiang Haers Vacuum Containers Co. Ltd.
VERONA, Italy - The first edition of the Italian trade and consumer event CosmoBike had a successful start in Verona last year. Therefore the international bicycle exhibition returns to Veronafiere from 16-19 September, 2016.
SOFIA, Bulgaria - Bulgaria and Romania combined are among the most important bicycle suppliers for European countries. Together they exported 1,287 million units in 2014, most of them to Germany, France, and Belgium. At the same time domestic markets are growing in both quality and numbers.
