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".
加拿大，魁北克（QUEBEC）－自行車老牌Rocky Mountain Bicycles為進行重組，已申請美國《破產法》第11章。根據加拿大新聞媒體《Cision's Newswire》報導，該公司在自主重組程序中，將在加拿大《公司債權人安排法》（簡稱CCAA）之下保持完整營運。
比利時，布魯塞爾（BRUSSELS）－當電動自行車電池起火時，哪一種電池櫃能夠提供充足保護？就現有產品選擇來看，許多自行車業者仍無法確定。德國VDMA 24994標準旨在協助區分優劣產品。根據荷蘭金融服務供應商Nationale-Nederlanden的風險專家Bart van de Broek表示，很快就會知道這套標準是否將適用全歐洲。
中國，蘇州－業界供過於求的情況造成零件供應商需求減緩，甚至電動自行車也是。不僅9月舉辦的台中自行車週反映出庫存過高的情況，Bafang發布的前9個月財報亦反映出此況，其業績相較2023年未有改善。
BRUSSELS, Belgium - The presentation of the manifesto for the EU term 2024-2029 by industry confederation CONEBI in Brussels last week, gave the cycling industry the opportunity to discuss the agenda with European institutions for the next five years. Hosted by EU member of parliament Thomas Pellerin-Carlin, the industry representatives and the EU Commission discussed plans and projects to come to reality.
