Top Taiwanese manufacturers launch new products at Eurobike

FRIEDRICHSHAFEN, Germany (BRAIN) — At a press conference hosted by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), several leading Taiwanese companies came together to launch new products on the second day of the Eurobike show. Agnes Hwa-Yue Chen, the representative of the Taipei Representative Office in Germany, made opening remarks. 

“Taiwan's presence at Eurobike is important for our continued excellence in the bicycle industry because the EU is the largest importer of Taiwanese-made bicycles,” said Hwa-Yue Chen. “And Taiwan continues to focus not on high-volume but on high-quality products.”

According to TAITRA, about 51 percent of Taiwan's total bicycle exports typically go to Europe, accounting for 1.9 million units with a value of $730 million.

But in 2013, the Taiwan Bicycle Exporters' Association estimates that Taiwan's European export value dropped by 15 percent. “Last year was not a good year. The weather was not good and the economy was not good,” said Tony Lo, chairman of the TBEA and CEO of Giant Bicycles. “But I am pretty sure this year is going to be a better year than last year.”

Lo also said that for Taiwanese brands, continuing to create more quality innovative products and tapping new markets would be key to Taiwan maintaining a strong foothold in the global market. “At Giant, we have set the trend of 27.5 and creating new fun in mountain biking,” he said. “And another big trend I see is the women's market, and we have the Liv brand, the first major brand dedicated 100 percent to the women's market. I am glad we have one brand for Liv. I think it's going to be a new beginning and bring the industry to a new level.”

At the conference, Giant launched its new Defy Advanced SL road bike and Liv showed the 2015 Avail Advanced SL, which was designed from the ground up for women. Both models have been completely revamped for 2015 and are equipped with disc brakes.

For its 45-year anniversary, chain manufacturer Taya introduced its new lightweight EL Derailleur Series chain, as well as its Next Generation e-bike chain designed to last for 5,000 kilometers.

Three-year-old folding bike manufacturer Tern announced its new program, Bikes With Benefits. Through the program, Tern is working with three public transit authorities in Germany to encourage the use of folding bicycles in conjunction with public transportation. Tern also introduced its new eLink bike line, designed to fold into a compact package for use with other modes of transportation.

Navigation and communication equipment manufacturer Holux unveiled its wearable fitness monitor watch, the WRL-8100, designed to help users continuously check heart rate and keep track of daily steps, sleeping habits and other activities. Holux also showed two new handheld GPS units.

As the fat-bike trend makes its way to Europe, Taiwanese tire manufacturer Kenda chose Eurobike as the venue to launch its first fat-bike tire, the Juggernaut, which will be available in two widths. Kenda also introduced a new downhill mountain tire, the Honey Badger DH, claimed to be its lightest and fastest downhill tire to date.

Several Taiwanese brands also participated in the Eurobike Fashion Show, which features new apparel and components through entertaining dance and choreography, drawing large crowds several times a day.