International

Editor's note:The following article is part of a package of stories on the Chinese bike market than ran in the April 15 issue of Bicycle Retailer & Industry News.

BRUSSELS, Belgium (BRAIN) Monday April 30 2012 2:45 PM MT—The European Commission has launched an investigation to determine whether the EU bicycle market is being threatened by lower cost Chinese products imported from government-subsidized manufacturers.

LUDHIANA, India (BRAIN) Monday April 16 2012 7:57 AM MT—A proposed 20 percent increase in duties on bikes imported into India from China stands to raise retail prices in that emerging market, according to local media reports.

NUNSPEET, Netherlands (BRAIN) Wednesday April 4 2012 9:16 AM MT—Shimano Europe Holding has bought Bike Fitting BV, a 25-year-old Dutch company that develops bike fit measuring instruments.

SHANGHAI, China (BRAIN)—Chinese bike manufacturers are beginning to look at expanding into new markets in Southeast Asia in the face of rising labor costs and restrictive export duties to Europe, said Xiao Yun Huo, vice secretary general of the China Bicycle Association.

BERLIN, Germany (BRAIN)—The bicycle business in Germany contributes 5 billion euros ($6.7 billion) annually to the country’s economy, according to figures released by German trade organization Verbund Service und Fahrrad at last weekend’s Vivavelo congress in Berlin.

F.I.V. Edoardo Bianchi Spa has bought 'a significant minority stake' in its Australian distributor, Sport Outdoor Leisure Australia Pty Ltd (SOLA).

MELBOURNE, Australia (BRAIN) Feb 7, 06:37 MT — Six key industry suppliers have stepped up their commitment to the Australian market through an investment in the Cycling Promotion Fund (CPF) advocacy group.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (BRAIN) Feb 2, 00:21 MT—Germany’s Ghost bikes will be sold in North America for the first time through an exclusive agreement with Mountain Equipment Co-op, the Canadian retailer announced on Wednesday.