The fact that a major player like Accell Group has been struggling under a burden of heavy debts gives a clear indication of the difficulties in the market. The manufacturer saw its turnover decline 10% from €1.43 billion in 2022 to €1.3 billion in 2023 as sales declined across major European markets and inventory levels remained high.
MILAN, Italy - Dutch bicycle manufacturer Accell Group painted a rosy picture in October when it announced it had improved its financial position and reduced its corporate debt in agreement with its financial stakeholders. But seeing as this financial restructuring is not due for completion until February 2025, credit ratings agency Moody's has downgraded Accell Group, citing "a very high likelihood of a default occurring over the next 6 months."
AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands - Bike subscription service Swapfiets, will celebrate its ten-year anniversary on November 7. Under the guidance of Pon Holding's investment company Ponooc since 2018, the company has grown to have over 270,000 members across Europe. Although, still striving for profitability, the B Corp-certified scale-up is working hard towards creating a 100% circular bicycle.
ZEIST, The Netherlands - The next edition of Bike Europe magazine (issue 3/2024) is now available to read online in our digital magazine section. While the industry is still occupied with restructuring the supply chain and excess inventory, the general mood among analysts point towards a brighter future for micromobility products and e-bikes in particular. But it's not all good news as yet as companies continue to struggle financially.
法國，塞納河畔羅米伊（ROMILLY-SUR-SEINE）－在Grimaldi Group決定出售位羅米伊的Cycleurope Industries SAS後，Rebirth Group創辦人Grégory Trébaol現成為該公司的新老闆。Grégory在與本社採訪中說明為何決定買下Cycleurope的法國廠，他亦討論到未來兩年的策略及投資計畫。
比利時，布魯塞爾（BRUSSELS）－下一任歐盟貿易專員Maros Sefcovic的任務之一是完成目前正在進行協商的貿易協定，與馬來西亞和泰國相關的絕對會是其中一部分。泰國最知名的自行車公司為Vittoria，馬來西亞則是Shimano供應商Kwang Li Industry的家鄉。
荷蘭，宰斯特（ZEIST）－荷蘭電動胖胎自行車引發的風波導致該國市場需求大幅降低。Phatflour目前在本土市場的銷售較去年減少75%。當地競爭對手Urban Mobility，也是Doppio母公司，最近則申請破產。出口市場能成為荷蘭胖胎車品牌的救星嗎？
荷蘭，阿培頓（APELDOORN）－為提升Merida 影響力，該公司在荷比盧地區的經銷商已進軍丹麥，成為該國官方進口商。這決策性的一步除了讓Merida站穩在北歐市場的腳步，也進一步體現出該品牌致力為更多消費者提供優質自行車及配件。
In this edition of Bike Europe: Interview: CEO and co-founder Otto Chrons after Revonte demise - EU e-bike import volume doubles in Q2 - Darfon Group CEO: 'Long-term partnerships are our goal' - A look inside Kettler's modern factory
WELS, Austria - As a result of the market circumstances for e-bikes, bicycles and motorbikes, Pierer Mobility will fall short of expectations in terms of revenue and earnings, as well as with regard to the reduction in working capital and net debt in the current financial year. Therefore, the company has revoked its guidance for the 2024 financial year.
TAIPEI, Taiwan - Despite continued difficulties in the market, exhibitor booth spaces for Taipei Cycle 2025 have officially been filled and a waitlist has been opened. Being held from 26-29 March the event will continue its focus on sustainability.
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia - The slow recovery of the Cambodian bicycle export to the European Union prompted the country's five assemblers to look for new markets. The once leading importer of bicycles into the EU-27 is also facing fierce competition of other major bicycle exporting countries like China and Bangladesh.
VIENNA, Austria - Children and youth bike manufacturer Woom has appointed Bernd Hake as CEO. He succeeds Paul Fattinger, who is leaving by mutual agreement after three years in charge. According to the company, the change in management is a further step in its development from a start-up to an established international brand.
DHAKA, Bangladesh - Known as a manufacturer of textiles, garments, lingerie and chemicals, Panam Group diversified into the production of bicycles a year ago. The company is keen to expand into newer sectors and found bicycle production and its exports a potential area thanks to the favourable duty structure for Bangladesh-based bicycle exporters to the European Union (EU).
BEVERWIJK, The Netherlands - Dutch e-bike and electric cargo bike manufacturer Optima Cycles has acquired compatriot Dolly Bikes, which focuses on the high-end e-cargobike segment. With this strategic acquisition, Optima Cycles, known for the brands Dutch ID and Lovens, aims to strengthen its position in the rapidly growing electric cargo bike market and create new growth opportunities.
UPPLANDS VÄSBY, Sweden - With the complete takeover of Swedish suspension specialist Öhlins Racing AB, Italian brake expert Brembo is making the largest acquisition in the company's history, according to its own statements. Öhlins had been part of US automotive supplier Tenneco Inc. since the end of 2018. Subject to the usual regulatory approvals, the takeover, which was announced on 11 October, is expected to be completed by the beginning of 2025.
ZEIST, The Netherlands - Dutch fatbike manufacturers are experiencing a drastic decline in demand following the uproar surrounding e-bikes with fat tyres in the country. Phatfour's sales in its home market are currently about 75% lower than last year. Local competitor, Urban Mobility, the company behind Doppio, recently filed for bankruptcy. Can export markets offer a saviour for Dutch fatbike bands?
ROMILLY-SUR-SEINE, France - Grégory Trébaol, founder of the Rebirth Group, has become the new owner of Cycleurope Industries SAS based in Romilly-sur-Seine, France after the Grimaldi Group decided to divest this unit. In this interview with Bike Europe, the executive explains why he wanted to acquire Cycleurope's factory in France. He also discusses the strategy and investments planned for the next two years.
GURUGRAM, India - E-bike and e-scooter manufacturer Hero Electric is entering a troubling phase as its dealers seek settlement of pending dues equivalent to around INR 5 billion (€270 million).
UTRECHT, The Netherlands - 80% of bicycle industry representatives in a recent survey stated that their companies are taking a strategic approach to climate action, with 35% having made considerable progress and are able to track their results. This is a key finding of the first edition of the Climate Action Pulse Check, a global survey that will function as an annual assessment of climate action progress within the cycling industry. However, consumers are less optimistic at the progress gained.
