| |
Taiwan, as the world’s second-largest bicycle producing nation, has stood out at this year’s EUROBIKE as one of the key trendsetter’s in the development of the newest bicycle technology and design. Six renowned Taiwanese manufacturers, all winners of the Taiwan Excellence Award, showcased their exceptional products at a press conference on September 2, 2010. The chairman of the Taiwan Bicycle Exporters’ Association (TBEA) accounted for the sector’s success using relevant industry statistics.
“Taiwan’s bicycle industry has become a global power, but success has been a constant race for excellence. To make the best bikes of top quality and value, Taiwan has accumulated decades of R& D skills.” The Director of the Taiwan Trade Center in Munich, Frieda Hung, opened the press conference with these words. The goal of this Taiwan Product Launch is to underline the quality and value of products “made in Taiwan.” A quality distinction that is strongly reflected in TBEA’s statistics. Despite the global economic crisis, TBEA’s statistics show that bicycle exports grew by 12.2% to US$710 million in the first half of 2010. According to TBEA Chairman Ying-Ming Yang, exports to Europe surged by 35.1% to US$395,729,006 in the first six months of this year. Representing 63 manufacturers, 246 component part distributors and 120 trading firms, TBEA explained that one reason for this is the increasing unit value of each bicycle. While Taiwanese producers received US$ 109 as a unit price in 2000, the average price last year was US$ 291. Chairman Yang furthermore predicted that the unit price would reach US$ 400 in 2015.
The winners of the Taiwan Excellence Award were invited to discuss the success of the Taiwanese bicycle industry during their presentations at the Taiwan Product Launch.
Dahon Vice President, Joshua Hon, showcased the Vector X10, winner of the Eurobike Award 2010. It features a patented hydro formed frame that is both extremely strong and stylish. Weighing only 9.2 kg (20.2 lb) with a wide 28” - 93” gear range, the rocket-fast Kinetix Pro wheels and custom Schwalbe Durano tires make the Vector X10 one of the fastest, lightest folding bikes in the world. Dahon also introduced a new cycling accessories brand named “BioLogic” for the global aftermarket.
With the award-winning Galatea, H&J Kreima presented a lock that can secure multiple bikes with its innovative “dual-hub keyhole” system. According to Director Kelvin Lin, the integrated system lock doubles as a water bottle cage, making it a unique multifunctional product that provides safety and convenience. Similarly innovative is the Heimdallr KS-001, which functions as front and back lights and can be connected to create an anti-theft lock.
For KMC Chains, Rob Compas presented their X1, X-SL and X-L series of bicycle chains with guaranteed durability and last up to twice as long as comparable models. The com¬pany also presented the “Kool Knight Chain,” winner of two prestigious design awards in 2010. In addition to the Gold iF Product Design Award, the innovative chain was honoured on the first day of the Eurobike show with the Eurobike Award 2010. With coloured chains for single speed and derailleur models, KMC is offering limited special German Patriot chains with a certificate signed by Olympic mountain bike gold medallist Sabine Spitz.
Merida’s head of design Juergen Falke presented the REACTO and newly created O.NINE bikes. These bicycles stood in for a total of eight new product developments, which the company is showcasing at Eurobike. A sensational hardtail racing bike with a frame weighing less than 1 kg, the O.NINE sets an international benchmark for stability and comfort. The name REACTO derives from the word reaction and describes the bicycle’s responsiveness, as the cyclist’s steering and pedalling impulses are instantaneously passed on.
The CRAFT-999 carbon fiber TT wheel set from Novatec stands for new generation road racing. The U.S. Operation’s Manager Henry Hinojosa introduced the patented oval hub design on behalf of Novatec. Through its low wind-resistance and fast drive reaction, it provides safety and maximum comfort.
For Pacific Cycles, CEO Michael Lin and Chief Designer Ryan Carroll introduced the IF Reach DC. The pedal-assisted electric bike featuring the company’s outstanding Reach frame and IF Technology, allows the bicycle to fold into a compact package for convenient storage and transportation.
“All bicycles made in Taiwan should offer clients exceptional added value while commuting to work, doing sports or helping to save our planet, which cyclists contribute to by refraining from using their cars,” said Frieda Hung in her closing remarks. Hung also stated that she hoped that the press conference had helped highlight the strengths of Taiwan’s bicycle industry and that when people think of Taiwan in the future, they will automatically think about bicycles.
For further information about the products or companies, please contact
Claudia Kowitz ITMS; E: claudia.kowitz[.]itms.de. / Christina Kunert, ITMS; E: christina.kunert[.]itms.de.
|
