Shimano reports that demand for bicycles continued to be weak and net sales decreased 5.2% in 2024 – Photo Shimano
Financial

Shimano sales decrease 5.2%, but European revenue rebounds

OSAKA, Japan - The 2024 financial report of Shimano Inc. indicates a rebound in sales in the second half of last year. However, in more detail the results look less promising for the international bicycle industry. The revenue in Europe and Taiwan was still down by double digits and the main growth market was China where revenue increased by almost 60%. In the long-term Shimano remains positive on bicycle sales, but the bicycle component manufacturer also points to the potential impact of geopolitical developments.

Shimano attributes the slow market recovery this year partly to unfavorable weather conditions in Europe during spring. – Photo Shimano
Financial

Shimano Q3 report shows delay in recovery of component market

OSAKA, Japan - Market recovery hasn't come as rapidly as Shimano had still foreseen in its first half year results published in July. The Q3 results the company published today still reveal challenging market conditions which the Japanese component manufacturer partly attributes to unfavorable weather conditions in Europe during spring, as well as the inventory bubble.

Shimano’s AI-equipped Q’Auto system uses a sensor in a wheel hub, the shifting mechanism, and an 11-speed gear ratio. – Photo Bike Europe
Innovations & products

Shimano AI-integrated drive train Q'Auto on bikes next year

OSAKA, Japan - To hit back on e-bike drive system suppliers who overshadow Shimano's leading market position, the component manufacturer will start mass production of its AI-integrated drive train system Q'Auto. Launched as a concept at Eurobike 2023, the first bikes featuring this system will be on the market soon. CEO Yozo Shimano explains the business decision to take this step forward.

The EP5 features a sleek and light weight design. – Photo Shimano
Innovations & products

Shimano launches new e-bike drive systems pre-Eurobike

OSAKA, Japan - Strictly planned in the week ahead of the start of Eurobike, component manufacturer Shimano presents its new e-drive systems EP5 and E5100. Both new drive trains have been developed from the concept to expand the reach, increase connectivity options and a smoother cycling experience.

6,251 B2B visitors attended this year’s Bicycle-E Mobility City Expo held in Tokyo’s Shinjuku Sumitomo Building. – Photo Jo Beckendorff
Shows & Events

Domestic automotive giants make debut at Japanese e-mobility event

TOKYO-SHINJUKU, Japan - Nine years ago, a local event in the vibrant Tokyo district of Shinjuku started out as a bicycle festival for end-consumers. Over the years it blossomed into a pure B2B event for urban e-mobility. This year's Bicycle-E Mobility City Expo, which ran from 5 to 6 June, also featured two heavyweights from the domestic automotive industry as exhibitors for the first time.

In total domestic bicycle and e-bike sales amounted to 5.08 million units in 2023 and may fall under 5 million units in 2024 if the drop in sales continues. – Photo Jo BeckendorffSubscribers only
Subscribers only
Market Report

Subscribers only Japanese bike market struggling to get out of slump

TOKYO, Japan - While the corona pandemic caused a veritable bicycle and e-bike boom in the west, this sales boom completely bypassed Japan. The current sales slump therefore isn't based on a sharp drop from new sales records as in the west. For years the bicycle market in the Land of the Rising Sun has been shifting in low gear. The local market slump continued in 2023 and a reversal is not expected in the current year either.

  1. Japan: New B2B trade fair celebrates its premiere this year
  2. Shimano reports weak sales while outlook remains slow
  3. Shimano loses 29% in turnover and half its profit in 2023
  4. Mr. Yamaha e-bike Eric de Seynes steps down as President and CEO
  5. Shimano sees high demand as a long-term trend
  6. Shimano sees big opportunities to enhance market potential
  7. Panasonic Cycle Technology edging closer to beating heart of European market
  8. Crops combines strength and security in foldable u-lock
  9. Subscribers onlyJapanese bicycle market continues to slide; sales dip below 6 million units
  10. SponsoredPanasonic - local service, global impact
  11. Shimano forecast reflects concerns over 2023 market development
  12. Shimano reports market cool down for second consecutive quarter
  13. Yamaha brings own branded e-bikes to the European market
  14. Shimano sales slow down, but still firm
  15. Subscribers onlyNo delayed Covid-effect as Japanese bicycle market dips
  1. Shimano reports: cycling boom cooling down
  2. Shimano reports record 2021 sales but raises concerns over global economy
  3. Fuel cell supplier myFC partners with Japanese bicycle component manufacturer
  4. Yamaha Motor and Hero Motors to partner in e-bike motor manufacturing
  5. Shimano bicycle components sales continue to increase
  6. Shimano boosts bicycle components sales
  7. SponsoredNewly constructed golden building shines for Urban Iki
  8. Subscribers onlyNo sign of Covid-19 boost in Japan's e-bike and bicycle sales
  9. Shimano publishes Malaysia factory update
  10. Shimano invests millions to expand production
  11. Shimano reports 76.3% Q1 sales rise in bicycle division
  12. Long lead times for Shimano to continue into 2021
  13. Shimano Group sales bounce back after double-digit slide
  14. Yamaha e-bike system production relocation is top priority for EU President Eric de Seynes
  15. Yamaha steps up market presence with new e-bike drive unit