DHAKA, Bangladesh - A growing number of suppliers of bicycles and various components to the European market have recently invested in production in Bangladesh. The country is already home to a few key global bicycle joint ventures. Now other Asian suppliers to Europe are also investing into production facilities considering low cost of production like low labor costs and duty exemptions for exports to Europe.
BREDA, the Netherlands - VDL Groep's announcement to open the next bicycle frame factory in Europe last year, was more than welcomed by the industry. Frame manufacturing is the key element for bicycle production close to the market and for a long time regarded as one of the most complex parts of a bicycle to manufacturer in Europe on a large scale.
AMSTERDAM, the Netherlands - Qwic was always known as one of the early innovators in the e-bike market in the Netherlands. According to Qwic an unexpected tax bill made brand owner Hartmobile decide to apply for insolvency in self-administration last week, followed by a bankruptcy this morning. This decision will also impact the start of the new automatic frame production line at VDL in Breda, the Netherlands.
HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam - 3D-print frames were regarded as the next step in mass production of high-end frames. In January 2021, the Silicon Valley-based company Arevo invested $19.5 million (€17.8 million) in a high-tech factory in Vietnam. This operation has been terminated.
FRANKFURT, Germany - Weber Fibertech, a specialist in the development and manufacture of long fibre-reinforced thermoplastic parts is expanding its activities in the bike industry. With roots firmly in the automotive segment, the company has created the Fi.Bi.Tech division to focus on the growing interest from the bicycle industry for close to market frames and other components.
SAALFELD, Germany - The issue of recycling frames is high on the circular agenda to make the bicycle industry more sustainable. V Frames makes it possible thanks to its carbon composite material in combination with a high level of robotization. MD Michael Mueller on how this could change the bicycle industry.
TIMISOARA, Romania - For a long time, Romania was considered the poorhouse of Europe. After the communist dictator, Nicolae Ceausescu, was forced to leave in 1989, there were hopes of a rapid improvement. However, restructuring the economy turned out to be much more difficult. What is the potential to develop the country's bicycle industry? Bike Europe visited a series of companies that made the step to Romania.
OSLO, Norway - Buddy Electric's top-of-the-line, carbon composite e-bike, the Buddy X1 is ready to enter the market. One of the first to incorporate the injection-molding technology of German specialist V Frames, the X1 frame combines high performance with sustainable production techniques.
The current situation caused by COVID-19 has created a great opportunity for manufacturers of mechanically welded structures within the European Union.
ZEIST, the Netherlands - It's been a busy year for the international bicycle industry. High demand for bicycles, notably e-bikes, driven by the COVID pandemic and the push for greener cities has brought high level investments. But, high shipping costs has brought high blood pressure for those trying to secure parts.
