Derby Cycle CEO Thomas Raith appointed head of all Pon Bike Group e-bike activities. He is to perform his new role next to being responsible for Focus.

Mandatory helmet use for speed e-bike riders as of January 1, 2017 spurred helmet manufacturers to develop suitable models. Several brands recently launched

In Brose's view "expertise from the automotive sector is helping to make cycling safer and more comfortable". Brose is presenting its ideas at Eurobike.

The company is considering an all-out entry in the e-bike sector. It's a major Dutch industrial conglomerate which is owner of a car manufacturing plant

KARLSTEIN, Germany - One of Europe's leading system provider and intelligent battery specialist BMZ GmbH celebrated the official opening of two new production, logistics and administration buildings. The new area was added to the existing 7,000 square meter production facility at its German headquarters in Karlstein.

BERLIN, Germany - The 2015 sales statistics presented this morning by industry association ZIV show that the German bike market performed outstandingly. Cycling has become a popular again in Germany resulting in an increase in sales and production of bicycles, e-bikes, parts and components on the home market as well as in export.

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.

HILVERSUM, the Netherlands - An earlier this week broadcasted Dutch TV program on consumer affairs presented the outcome of a survey under its test-panel of 20,000 electric bikers. The conclusion was that over 25% of all e-bike batteries are faulty.

SHANGHAI, China - China's electric bike industry experienced its first production drop in the past 15 years. During the first half of 2014, the production of the top 50 e-bike manufacturers dropped by 1.98%; a big contrast to the annual average 30% increase in the past.

COLOGNE, Germany - The biggest motorcycle, bicycle and e-bike market in South America is made easier to access for companies in Europe as the Cologne Messe started a cooperation with the Brazilian industry association ANFAMOTO. A delegation from Brazil consisting interested in developing new contacts for import and export will visit the 2016 Intermot show.

TOKYO, Japan - E-bikes were the driving force of Japan's bicycle market in 2014. Despite the fact that sales in units dropped; money-wise the Japanese market was still able to record growth. However, it's doubtful this will continue in 2015 when looking the latest figures.

DIJON, France - The news came out already earlier, but was only published officially today. Accell Group's brand Cycles Lapierre is making a return to the to the UCI World Tour as the official bike sponsor for Team Picnic PostNL. The team will compete on Lapierre bicycles for the next four years.

BRUSSELS, Belgium - Starting in 2025, products and raw materials contributing to deforestation will need to comply with new regulations. Importers will have to prove that their products, such as rubber used for bicycle tyres, have not contributed to deforestation.

Czech rubber manufacturer Rubena has completed the withdrawal from the previous Mitas brand, and is focusing on refreshing its original Rubena brand for the entire range of tyres and inner tubes for bicycles.

AMSTERDAM, the Netherlands - Qwic was always known as one of the early innovators in the e-bike market in the Netherlands. According to Qwic an unexpected tax bill made brand owner Hartmobile decide to apply for insolvency in self-administration last week, followed by a bankruptcy this morning. This decision will also impact the start of the new automatic frame production line at VDL in Breda, the Netherlands.

AMSTERDAM, the Netherlands - Micromobility.com is the first take-over candidate for VanMoof which comes forward in public. The American e-scooter and e-bike manufacturer published an announcement stating, "we submitted a non-binding bid to acquire VanMoof Amsterdam."

ROTTERDAM, the Netherlands - The Shift Cycling Culture initiative motivated the industry to start talking about sustainability. In the meantime a long list of CEOs and company owners signed the industry-wide climate commitment. "Also the bicycle industry has a responsibility to cut CO2 emissions," says Erik Bronsvoort, director of Shift Cycling Culture.

SAALFELD, Germany - After V Frames successfully began mass production of injection-molded carbon composite frames, the major focus is now increasing the performance of the raw materials, including stiffness. A recent development agreement with chemical specialist Lehvoss Group should take the products to the next level.

Being able to respond even better and faster to the needs of the rapidly growing market was the main goal of the relocation of KMC Chain Europe to Heerenveen in the Netherlands. At the new location, which is more than twice as large, the originally Taiwanese company has made significant efficiency improvements.

AMSTERDAM, the Netherlands - Pon Holdings continues to expand its position in the bicycle market with the take-over of scaleup Veloretti. This e-bike and bicycle brand was founded in 2012 and the company expects to generate a turn-over of € 42 million this year.