The Dutch manufacturer Gravaa, which developed a unique tyre pressure system based on a pump integrated in the hub, has gone bankrupt. They became known as pioneers of a technically impressive system that allowed cyclists to adjust tyre pressure from the handlebars while riding. "Without fresh funding, there was unfortunately no other viable option," wrote Gravaa, in a statement.
HEERENVEEN, the Netherlands - Velo-ce S.R.L. today announced the acquisition of the titanium bike brand Van Nicholas from Accell Group. The Italian company Velo-ce, renowned for its meticulous in-house bicycle production and state-of-the-art facility near Milan, will now take full responsibility for the production and distribution of Van Nicholas bicycles.
NEW YORK, United States - Fitch Ratings has reaffirmed Accell Group's long-term credit rating at 'CCC', indicating that the company remains under significant financial pressure. While Accell is making progress in its turnaround, its current position is still fragile, mainly due to weak market conditions, high debt levels and limited cash generation, the agency determined.
AMSTERDAM, the Netherlands - The Dutch bicycle market has enjoyed favourable market conditions throughout the year. According to the third-quarter report from the benchmark group of H&L Accountancy, the average retail revenue in the Netherlands increased by 5.4% compared to the same period last year. It is probably not the best quarter of the year, but the market is still buoyant.
AMSTERDAM, the Netherlands - Two heavyweight names from the e-bike and automotive industries have failed to successfully launch a new e-bike brand. Soon after Porsche AG and Pon Holdings established the joint venture P2 eBike GmbH in 2022, investors openly stated that creating a new e-bike brand was not the best way to move forward in the industry.
HEERENVEEN, The Netherlands - The final Batavus bicycles have rolled off the assembly line in the Netherlands, marking the end of an era for the Accell Group as it opts for centralised production in Hungary. It also marks the end of 45 years in the bicycle industry for Accell stalwart Menno Visser, who is now retiring. Having started at Batavus on the assembly line, he worked his way up to commercial director and spent the past years as a project manager at Accell. In an exclusive interview, he reflects on industry changes and his vision for the future.
