OSAKA, Japan - The 2024 financial report of Shimano Inc. indicates a rebound in sales in the second half of last year. However, in more detail the results look less promising for the international bicycle industry. The revenue in Europe and Taiwan was still down by double digits and the main growth market was China where revenue increased by almost 60%. In the long-term Shimano remains positive on bicycle sales, but the bicycle component manufacturer also points to the potential impact of geopolitical developments.

OSAKA, Japan - Market recovery hasn't come as rapidly as Shimano had still foreseen in its first half year results published in July. The Q3 results the company published today still reveal challenging market conditions which the Japanese component manufacturer partly attributes to unfavorable weather conditions in Europe during spring, as well as the inventory bubble.

OSAKA, Japan - To hit back on e-bike drive system suppliers who overshadow Shimano's leading market position, the component manufacturer will start mass production of its AI-integrated drive train system Q'Auto. Launched as a concept at Eurobike 2023, the first bikes featuring this system will be on the market soon. CEO Yozo Shimano explains the business decision to take this step forward.

OSAKA, Japan - Strictly planned in the week ahead of the start of Eurobike, component manufacturer Shimano presents its new e-drive systems EP5 and E5100. Both new drive trains have been developed from the concept to expand the reach, increase connectivity options and a smoother cycling experience.

TOKYO-SHINJUKU, Japan - Nine years ago, a local event in the vibrant Tokyo district of Shinjuku started out as a bicycle festival for end-consumers. Over the years it blossomed into a pure B2B event for urban e-mobility. This year's Bicycle-E Mobility City Expo, which ran from 5 to 6 June, also featured two heavyweights from the domestic automotive industry as exhibitors for the first time.

TOKYO, Japan - While the corona pandemic caused a veritable bicycle and e-bike boom in the west, this sales boom completely bypassed Japan. The current sales slump therefore isn't based on a sharp drop from new sales records as in the west. For years the bicycle market in the Land of the Rising Sun has been shifting in low gear. The local market slump continued in 2023 and a reversal is not expected in the current year either.