PARK CITY, USA - Only two and a half year after the three founders sold Kona Bicycles to Kent Outdoors, the new owner has put the iconic Canadian bicycle brand up for sale. Due to drastic market changes since early 2022, Kona, like so many other bicycle brands, could not live up to the high expectations set for the future cycling market.
OSAKA, Japan - Bicycle component manufacturer Shimano reports that demand for bicycles continued to be weak at the start of the year. In the first quarter of 2024, net sales decreased by double digits compared to last year. Also for the rest of the year the outlook will remain uncertain for Shimano.
BERGAMO, Italy - Trek has closed its Italian subsidiary and incorporated this market within the newly formed Trek South Europe. In a short press release, the American company announced the creation of its fifth major European subsidiary, following GAS (Germany, Austria and Switzerland), BLX (the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxemburg), Nordics and UK+.
EMSTEK, Germany - Bicycle brand Hercules has built on a firm base on its home market Germany as well as some export, including a new head office and show room in the north of Germany. Export manager Michael Honkomp and sales manager Joep Stumpe want to take the brand into Europe and discussed their ambitions with Bike Europe.
SCHARMEDE, Germany - Known for pioneering the birth of the action sports movement in the early 80s, Haro Bikes is embarking on a new journey forward in Europe. "We are currently building our new European sales network," explains Verena Begemann, general manager of Haro Bikes Europe GmbH.
AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands - Following a historic year in 2022, the bike division of Pon Holdings has reported a 5% drop in 2023. Referring to the 'sharp correction' in the bicycle market during 2023, turnover in the Pon Bike division decreased by €100 million. However despite the pressure on prices and margins, "most of our quality brands managed to hold their own thanks to their strong market positions," explains Janus Smalbraak, CEO of Pon Holdings.
AMERSFOORT, the Netherlands - Accell Group subsidiary Babboe has issued a recall and replacement program for in total 22,000 cargo bikes. The first batches will be collected in the Netherlands and Germany in mid-April, after which the recall campaign will be rolled out in the other countries. All owners of these models will be offered a new bicycle or cargo bike.
OBERWANGEN, Switzerland - The confiscation of all e-bikes at the Opium brand stand caused a big noise at Eurobike last year. The reason was the patent lawsuit brought by myStromer AG against the Opium brand owner Revolt Zycling AG. The Federal Patent Court recently ruled in favour of Stromer. However, the defendant did not wait for this decision, but has already brought a modified design onto the market.
GIVISIEZ, Switzerland - The announcement by Scott Sports Group SA majority shareholder Youngone Corporation to lay-off its CEO and minority shareholder Beat Zaugg did not come as a surprise for industry insiders. Following the cash injection of SFR 150 million (€160.6 million) by Youngone last December, a reorganisation was inevitable.
TAIPEI, Taiwan — The inaugural Bike Venture Program, co-hosted by Taipei Cycle and ecosystem builder Anchor Asia (aka Anchor Taiwan), brought a new dimension to this year's industry event in Taipei. "Our goal is to inject new energy into the bicycle industry, expanding the pie and fostering win-win collective growth and success," explains Elisa Chiu, founder of Anchor Asia and initiator of Bike Venture.
