Accell Group CEO steps down in favour of chief operating officer
HEERENVEEN, the Netherlands - Accell Group's chief operating officer (COO) Jonas Nilsson, will become CEO of the group, succeeding Tjeerd Jegen, who is stepping down and will transition to chair of the group's supervisory board. The CEO transition will take place over the coming months, up until 1 April, 2025, with the Chair transition taking place later this year, to allow for a cool-off period in line with good governance practices.
Container prices to impact bicycle industry trade in 2025?
HAMBURG, Germany - 82% of supply chain professionals in China expect container prices to rise in January 2025, according to a survey by Container xChange. The survey also highlighted that supply chain participants are preparing for three key disruptions this year; tariffs, geopolitical risks, and structural overcapacity. These disruptions are expected to keep demand and supply dynamics volatile well into 2025 with a potential impact on the bicycle industry.
Brompton hit by industry-wide challenges as profits drop 99%
LONDON, UK - When looking for an indication of how dire the current market situation is in the bike industry, look no further than the recent financial results of folding bike manufacturer, Brompton. The renowned British manufacturer has reported a dramatic decline in profits, plummeting from £10.7 million (€ 12.9 million) to just £4,602 (€ 5,543) for the fiscal year ending March 2024.
Italy restricts the usage of e-scooters
ROME. Italy - The micro mobility market in Italy will have to adjust to a series of restrictions as part of the mandatory new highway code. These include the usage of a helmet, but also a mandatory license plate and insurance. These restraints are a new setback for this highly popular micro mobility product, although Italy is certainly not the first country in Europe which restricts the use of e-scooters.
Cykelgear expands Danish presence with Cykelpartner takeover
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.
Selle Italia expands business with take-over of Vittoria cycling shoes
ASOLO, Italy - Selle Italia has acquired Vittoria cycling shoes, which has been developing and manufacturing cycling shoes in Italy for almost fifty years, for an undisclosed amount. Giuseppe Bigolin, President of Selle Italia, "As we did in 2016 with Selle San Marco, we are gearing up to expand our range with a company that has always believed in technological development, in style and in the Made in Italy brand. Just like us."
2024: A year of false hope in the bicycle industry
ZEIST, The Netherlands - In late 2023, after a difficult year, industry insiders were looking hopefully towards the new year. However, predictions of inventory level recovery and stability in the market were pushed back at every contact moment during 2024; from Taipei Cycle at the beginning of the year, to Taichung Bike Week at the end. This 'hope' was abandoned in the second half of the year as insolvencies and closures began to dominate the headlines. As hopes now push forward to those that have 'survived to 2025', here, a perhaps unwelcome look back at 2024.
Giant Group appoints new management team as Bonnie Tu retires
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.
Amslod files for bankruptcy after chapter 11 status
MEPPEL, The Netherlands - The full extent of the problems in the Dutch e-bike market are becoming increasingly clear with the next insolvency of pure player Amslod founded in 2015. Like Stella E-bike, Amslod started as an online retailer which later opened shops to provide better service, but never became as successful as Stella E-bikes.
Georg Honkomp steps down as chairman of the board at ZEG
COLOGNE, Germany - From the start of next year, Georg Honkomp will hand over his position as chairman of the board of Europe's biggest dealer cooperative, German ZEG, to his successor Fred Schierenbeck.
Accell Group files 2023 accounts with 10% revenue drop but 'recovery...
HEERENVEEN, The Netherlands - As the market continues to be challenging, liquidity will remain a key focus of the Accell Group, according to a business update of the company published yesterday. With accounts for 2023 finalised with a 10% revenue drop, "recovery is well on track across the business," states CEO Tjeerd Jegen.
Taiwan on course for €500 mln e-bike export value loss
TAIPEI, Taiwan - The fact that the Taiwanese supply chain has struggled during 2024 is fully evident in the latest custom statistics. In Q3, the island nation exported around 75,000 e-bike units, a 44% drop compared to 2023. E-bike exports to the EU specifically dropped 55% to a mere 34,000 units between July and September. Most significantly, the country is on course to see its export value drop half a billion euros this year in total.
Happy Holidays from the Bike Europe Team
ZEIST, the Netherlands - As the year draws to a close the Bike Europe team would like to thank you for your continued support throughout this challenging year.
Giant Group setting ESG standards with DJSI index listing
TAICHUNG, Taiwan - In recognition of its ESG activities, Giant Group has joined the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) Emerging Markets Index, making it the first company in the bicycle industry to have this distinction.
Rocky Mountain Bicycles the latest brand to apply for Chapter 11...
QUEBEC, Canada - Long standing bicycle manufacturer Rocky Mountain Bicycles has filed for Chapter 11 status to restructure the company. The company will continue its operations in full during its self-initiated restructuring process under the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA), reports the Canadian new service Cision's Newswire.
Troubled Pierer Mobility hires investment bank to oversee...
WELS, Austria - After motorcycle company KTM AG had to file an application for restructuring proceedings with self-administration at the end of November, its parent company Pierer Mobility AG commissioned Citigroup Global Markets Europe AG on 17 December to reorganise the ownership structure.
Will the e-bike become a victim of its own success?
AMSTERDAM, the Netherlands - The import statistics of the European Union clearly indicate that China regained its leading position as e-bike supplier for Europe's market. At the same time, the market is drowned with cheap and non-compliant China made e-bikes whose sellers shamelessly advertise the presence of a throttle and how to circumvent the maximum support of 25 km/h. How should the industry respond to these market developments?
Pon reorganises GT Bicycles: 'Laying a solid foundation for GT's next...
ALISO VIEJO, USA - The reorganisation of the Pon owned brand GT Bicycles has resulted in much speculation regarding the future of the brand. Some even assumed that GT Bicycles would shut down once all inventory is sold. According to a Pon spokesperson, the decision to restructure this subsidiary was taken, "to lay a solid foundation for its next chapter."