BRUSSELS, Belgium - That 2024 was a challenging year for European e-bike markets is no secret. How bad though, is now revealed in the latest EU e-bike import statistics published by Eurostat. The volume of e-bikes imports dropped 27% year-on-year to 642,000 units, slipping below the pre-covid level of 705,000 units in 2019. The import value fared even worse, with a 33% drop year-on-year.
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.
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.
EDINBURGH, Scotland - A 9-digit private growth-equity fund which has already supported Rebike, Bike Club and Grover in the micromobility sector, acknowledges that a new generation of businesses are helping to pioneer the sector's circular future. However, "circular innovations deserve a specialist investor," explains Andrew Shannon, founding partner of Circularity Capital.
LONDON, United Kingdom - In contrast to other European markets, where declines in unit sales could be offset against higher sales values, this can't be said for the UK market. The post-COVID downturn in the UK cycling market has seen the total market value fall a further 6% in 2023, following an 18% decline in 2022. On top of that, in 2023 the UK had "the worst mechanical bike sales this century," the latest data confirms.
MADRID, Spain - Bicycle exports from Spain to the rest of the world remain well above pre-pandemic figures and show a positive trade balance, according to provisional data from the Ministry of Industry and Tourism. Although production figures in the country are dipping compared to last year, bicycle production in Spain also remains above the levels achieved in 2019.
EASTWOOD, England - Citing a challenging market, UK bike manufacturer Raleigh is cutting jobs and relocating its headquarters. The measures are also being taken "to better integrate Accell UK into the wider Accell Group."
FULDA, Germany - Following an initial reluctance to join the family business, Daria Büchel is now following her father footsteps into the bicycle industry. This does not mean the industry stalwart Erhard is on the brink of retirement. Daria's primary goal for now is "to make a meaningful and effective contribution to the company." Bike Europe found out how she intends to do that.
KARLSTEIN AM MAIN, Germany - Organised by battery manufacturer BMZ, the Battery Expert Forum has become Europe's largest and most established networking platform for the global battery community. Taking place in November for the 18th time, it presents a top-class scientific conference with accompanying trade exhibition along the entire value chain of battery technology.
GEDERSDORF, Austria - The KSR Group launched its Malaguti e-bikes three years ago. On the back of a successful launch the brand is now expanding its product range and streamlining its distribution network across European territories.
OSAKA, Japan - Shimano has introduced Cues, a new approach to its mid-tier component line-up. Redesigned from the ground up, Shimano has focused on high-compatibility and consolidated its 9, 10, and 11-speed drivetrains like Deore, Tiagra and Alivio into one unified ecosystem of components.
UTRECHT, the Netherlands - Sustainability is more top of mind than ever in the bicycle industry. To enable an understanding of the circular economy in the industry, a series of online workshops are being held in March. Facilitated by Erik Bronsvoort, author of the book 'From marginal gains to a Circular Revolution', examines insights from the book in a 3-hour workshop.
MORGAN HILL, US - The announcement that US brand Specialized is saying goodbye to 8% of its global workforce, is a new sign that the bike industry has a turbulent few months ahead. European lay offs have been confirmed by the company, but no specific details are given.
ZEIST, The Netherlands - 2022 continued on a high for e-bike and bicycle manufacturers and retailers as the pandemic continued to push demand. But as the year draws to a close and eyes look to the future, a more uneasy feeling is settling over the industry as inventory becomes the hot topic. Bike Europe looks back on the main stories which attracted interest this year…
SAN VENDEMIANO, Italy - Cytech, who manufactures pads and palms for cycling apparel under the Elastic Interface brand has acquired a majority stake in Italian accessory and glove manufacturer, Pasasport. "The take-over allows us to accelerate the expansion of Elastic Interface into new markets and diversify our product offering in the cycling sector and across other sports," explains Cytech CEO Massimo Fregonese.
HEFEI, China - Following a difficult year including multiple postponements and a relocation from Shanghai, the 31st China International Bicycle Fair, also known as China Cycle, will not be held at all this year. The organisers have officially postponed the event to May 2023.
IWATA, Japan - Yamaha is strengthening its range for 2023 with the launch of the new PWseries S2 drive unit, that offers a range of new and improved features for the sport and trail category. Noticeably, the production of the new lightweight, more powerful motor will be moved from Japan to France to "reduce the need for expensive and unreliable logistic operations."
BRUSSELS, Belgium - Bike Republic, Colruyt Group's chain of bike shops, is planting its flag in Brussels for the first time following the take-over of the large bicycle retailer, IMP Bike. The acquisition puts Colruyt Group on course for further expansion in the French speaking part of Belgium.
WELS, Austria - Pierer Industrie has acquired an 80% stake in the Johansson cargo bikes business, from EW Mobility GmbH & Co KG, following which a newly founded Johansson GmbH based in Schweinfurt, Germany, will be established. The acquisition shows that the Pierer group doesn't want to miss out on this rapidly growing product category.
BRUSSELS, Belgium - Industry organisations, European Cyclists' Federation (ECF), Cycling Industries Europe (CIE) and the Confederation of the European Bicycle Industry (CONEBI) have jointly released a manifesto with eight recommendations for how the EU, national governments and individuals can use cycling to lessen dependence on fossil fuels and achieve significant fuel savings.
