World
European Union Agrees on Bike Tax Cuts
Brussels, Belgium Tax concessions for e-bikes and conventional bicycles could soon be implemented in European nations, following an agreement of the Council of the European Union this month. The agreement by the EU Council on December 7, on updated rules for Value-Added Tax (VAT), has opened the door for members states to introduce reduced rates…
Shimano’s Sales and Profits Soar Higher
Osaka, Japan The third quarter financial update from Shimano, for the first nine months of 2021 to 30th September 2021, has illustrated the world’s largest bicycle component supplier’s rush to fill a void in supply, with net sales in the nine months to September up 49.6%. That acceleration of trading saw the firm’s operating income…
Porsche Moves to Grab Majority Stake in Greyp Bikes
Zagreb, Croatia German high-performance car manufacturer Porsche is moving to increase its stake in Greyp Bikes, confirming it plans to acquire a majority stake in the Croatian company by the end of this year. The move, which is awaiting approval by regulatory bodies, continues an escalating trend in automotive companies buying into the bike industry,…
Sea Otter Springs Back From COVID Hibernation
Monterey, California Sea Otter Classic roared back to life in October. Never mind that it was a late-season interim expo, or that some exhibitors like SRAM, Santa Cruz, Cannondale and others passed because of ongoing uncertainty posed by COVID-19. Visitors were greeted by clear blue skies and warm weather tempered by afternoon gusts that kicked…
VanMoof Hyperbike Accelerates Debate on Top Speeds
Amsterdam, Netherlands Dutch e-bike manufacturer VanMoof has weighed into the debate on assisted maximum speeds, with the unveiling of its first high-speed “hyperbike”. VanMoof announced the VanMoof V will be capable of speeds up to 50 km/h and would be “optimised for long commutes”. It will feature two-wheel drive, front and rear suspension, thicker tires…
UCI Announces Gravel World Series and World Championships
Aigle, Switzerland A new UCI gravel world championship and world series being launched next year are unlikely to have much impact on gravel bike sales in Australia, at least in the short term, according to prominent members of the industry. The new additions to the UCI calendar were announced as part of a statement from…
Eurobike 2021 a Different Show to Mark End of Era
By Christopher Jones It was up in the air as to whether Eurobike 2021 would be cancelled, after last year’s event was abandoned because of COVID-19. However, most of Europe has adapted to the COVID situation and good vaccination numbers have made it possible to conduct large-scale events, with the necessary precautions. Under new German COVID provisions, known…
Vietnam Shut Down Impacts Australian High End Bike Supply
When you think about bicycle and component manufacturing countries in Asia, chances are that your list would start with China, Taiwan and perhaps Japan. But Vietnam has become an increasingly important production hub over recent years. This has been partly as a way for global brands to avoid the ‘anti-dumping’ measures imposed upon Chinese manufacturers…
Why Has Global Shipping Become So Chaotic and Expensive?
If you’re a wholesaler, you know first-hand that shipping prices have gone through the roof since covid hit. If anything, the situation is getting worse, not better. It’s not just the price that’s problematic. There are long delays, fewer ships sailing to Australia and New Zealand and our ports are chocked with empty containers while…
IAA Mobility ‘Essential to Bridge Rift Between Bikes and Cars’
Organisers of the revamped International Mobility Show Germany (IAA Mobility) have emphasised the event’s value in fostering greater harmony between automobiles, bicycles and other road users. The biennial IAA event was rebadged in 2021 as IAA Mobility to incorporate micromobility exhibitors for the first time, attracting a considerable number of e-bike and e-scooter manufacturers. In…