REDDITCH, England - Citing headwinds in the bicycle market, UK retail chain, Halfords, has closed the financial year with a 30% drop in volume in its cycling division. "The bicycle market consolidated at a faster rate than expected, leading to much more discounting, which put significant short-term pressure on gross margin," the company reports.
英國，倫敦（LONDON）－在其他歐洲市場，高價單品銷售可能足以彌補銷量減少的損失，但在英國市場情況不一定如此。該國市場在後疫時期銷量衰退，2022年總市值減少18%，2023年更進一步減少6%。此外，最新資料證實，英國市場去年「常規自行車銷量為本世紀最糟」。
BRUSSELS, Belgium - Members of European parliament (MEPS) have adopted measures to stimulate consumers to repair products instead of buying new ones. First presented by the EU Commission in March 2023, the scope of the 'right to repair' proposal has also been extended to include bicycles. It aims to ensure favourable conditions for an independent repair market and prevent manufacturers from hindering repairs.
TAIPEI, Taiwan — "2023 was a challenging year for the bike industry but we're very bullish on the future so we spent 2023 continuing to invest in our people and processes," says Josh Hon, Tern Team Captain. In this trend, the urban mobility specialist has announced two key additions to its senior management team.
REDDITCH, England - Halfords has reported a 5.1% dip in its Q3 cycling sales compared to the same period last year. More concerning is that the UK bicycle retailer has reported the cycling market volumes are down 28% from pre-pandemic levels.
BERLIN, Germany - A dramatic domino effect is taking place within the financially troubled Signa Sports Group which is having huge implications on the bicycle-related activities of the company. Internet Stores GmbH has now filed for insolvency, the North America Bike Division ceased operations with a few days' notice, and the clock is now ticking for WiggleCRC.
MUNICH, Germany - While organiser Messe Munich reports on the "resounding success" of this year's IAA Mobility, the integration of all mobility players made the scarcity of bicycle industry exhibitors more evident. Those who were there, however, spoke of a positive experience particularly in the cargo bike segment which is looking to take a bigger piece of the last mile pie.
ORLÉANS, France - An e-bike that uses no rare earth materials… that is the concept of the Pi-Pop e-bike which uses a supercapacitor to store energy rather than rely on a standard battery pack. Being locally produced in France a third-generation design is now hitting the market with production expecting to 10-fold in 2024.
FRANKFURT AM MAIN, Germany - Friday was 'sustainability day' at Eurobike with several new initiatives being launched. This included a new guide to help the German bicycle industry report on their sustainability activities and the Cycling Industry Climate Pledge. On a national and international level there were repeated calls for all parties to work together. "We need to place collaboration at the core of our efforts," stated Alex Thun, CEO of Thun and Chair of CIE and CONEBI's sustainability expert group.
LONDON, UK - Despite literal bumps in the road, the UK e-bike market is on the rise, according to industry representatives present at the Cycle Show held in London this April. Dealers, manufacturers and newcomers alike agree on one thing, a lack of infrastructure is slowing the market. Despite this, and the slow-adoption of e-bikes compared to the rest of Europe, the UK is considered by some to be "the most exciting market in terms of growth opportunities."
LITTLE ROCK, USA - Time Bicycles is investing $6.5 million to build the largest carbon fibre bicycle factory in the US. Located in South Carolina, this new facility will extend the capabilities of Time's European factory and will be used to manufacture high-end carbon fibre bicycles and componentry.
REICHSHOF, Germany - Tyre manufacturer, Schwalbe increased its turnover to €335 million in 2022, a growth of more than 20% compared to the previous year. This sets a new record for Schwalbe as the brand celebrates its 50th anniversary. However, a decline in sales is expected for 2023.
WORMER, The Netherlands - Hosted by European decal manufacturer, Posterama Screen Productions, the first BIG3 event of 2023 which explores techniques in frame-finishing will be held 28-29 March in the Netherlands. Along with the trends, design and innovations in surface finishing technologies, the event will discuss "all the right reasons why the production of bicycles and sporting goods needs to come back home."
BRUSSELS, Belgium - Key figures from the EU Commission, Parliament and national governments will speak during the Cycling Industries Europe summit this year. The line-up includes executive vice-president of the EU commission, Frans Timmermans. Being held on March 9th in Brussels the summit will address how policies will affect cycling businesses in coming years.
SUZHOU, China - To support the growth in the e-bike market in Europe, battery manufacturer Phylion has two new additions to its product range - a 21700 battery cell solution and a self-developed dual battery solution. The company is also hinting at new production bases in Europe.
STOCKHOLM, Sweden - Mioo, an app which offers professional bike service via the phone, is setting its sights on expansion across Europe. The Swedish company has ambitious plans to double its growth in three years and enter five new markets. First on the horizon is Germany.
TAIPEI, Taiwan - In 2023 the Taipei Cycle d&I awards will return with aim of 'taking bicycle design to the next level'. Registration has now opened for what is considered one of the most important competitions in the cycling industry. The Gold Award - Green Prize will recognise products manufactured according to sustainable principles.
TIANJIN, China - E-bike display and sensor manufacturer, King-Meter displayed its newest range at this year's Eurobike. Amongst the new products is its most recent integrated display technology.
STUTTGART, Germany - Distributer Paul Lange & Co. has appointed Paul-César Lange to the newly implemented position of Chief Strategy Officer (CSO). As grandson of the founder, the third generation family member will be responsible for the strategic orientation of the company.
LEUVEN, Belgium— REIN4CED, the Belgian manufacturer of advanced composite bicycle frames, has successfully closed a series B capital increase of €7 million led by Capricorn Partners. This new capital injection will support the company's ambitious growth trajectory "to become the leading supplier of lightweight, strong and durable materials to the bicycle, automotive and aerospace market".
