ETRA eesv, Guinardstraat 32, Gent, BelgiumOn these pages you will find the latest news on everything that is going on within ETRA, within the European twowheel business and on all European affairs which concern European twowheel retailers. The news items are broken down into bicycle issues, PTW issues and common issues. “Older” news can be found in the archives.
Charity cycle tour in Thailand and Cambodia
This coming November, Pedal2Empower Cambodia Charity Cycle Challenge is taking place in Thailand and Cambodia. This 14 day tour is fully supported and fully guided. The challenge begins with 2 delightful days tracing the wonderful coastline and beaches of south eastern Thailand, before heading inland to a remote Cambodian border crossing. Once in Cambodia you will cycle and…read more
ECF launches map of all EuroVelo cycle routes
Experience Europe by bicycle: from the deserted areas in the high north of the continent down to the antique sites in the Mediterranean region, from the French Atlantic coast along the river route up to the Danube estuary at the Black Sea, around the North Sea or the Baltic Sea. For the first time, 12 cycle routes were plotted in a new cycle route map under the label…read more
ETRA advocates reduced VAT rate on all bicycle products and services
Launched in March, the EC's public consultation on reduced VAT rates closed on 12 May. Interested parties were invited to comment on a number of ideas and questions put forward by DG Taxation & Customs Union. One of these ideas is the application of the reduced rate to environmentally-friendly products and services. ETRA seized this opportunity to argue once again its plea for the…read more
Dahon books record sales and revenue in 2007
Dahon today announced record sales in 2007, representing a 20% increase in unit volumes and 36% increase in revenues relative to the year earlier period. Sales growth was strong in all global markets and there was also a significant move to higher priced, higher quality offerings.
"As you might imagine, we’re very happy with our sales results for 2007, but what is even more satisfying…read more
European Council agrees on review VAT regime on environmentally firendly products
At the European summit of 14 March, the 27 heads of state and government agreed that the VAT regime on environmentally friendly products should be reviewed. The day before the meeting, French President Sarkozy and British Prime Minister Brown had sent a joint letter to Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso calling for action on climate change through tax reform. The two leaders said the EU…read more
Cyclists' traffic signs
Phil Insall from Sustrans/ UK is putting together an archive of street signs showing cyclists exemption (for example, "no entry, except cyclists" or "all traffic turn left, except cyclists") and would like to have at least one or two good examples from most European countries.If you have such photos, please send tone or two good jpg files directly to philip.insall@sustrans.org.uk?…read more
London to spend £ 500 million on cycling
On 11 February, the Mayor of London has announced the most ambitious programme to transform walking and cycling in London’s history. The package of measures will create a new network of quick, simple, and safe routes for cyclists and pedestrians that will change the profile and priority of walking and cycling on London's streets.
With the introduction of a central London bike hire scheme…read more
Dahon Takes "Green" Steps for 2008 Taipei Cycle Show
Dahon has announced plans to maximize the use of re-usable materials in its booth design and efforts to lower the carbon footprint of show goers at this year’s 2008 Taipei cycle show. Dahon’s booth at this year’s show will be made up primarily of materials that will be reusable in an effort to reduce waste. In addition, Dahon has chartered a "Last Mile" bus to provide transport for…read more
Dorel acquires Cannondale Bicycle Corporation
On the 4th February, Dorel Industries Ltd. has announced it has acquired the Cannondale Bicycle Corporation. Headquartered in Bethel, Connecticut, Cannondale has facilities in Bedford, Pennsylvania as well as offices in Canada, Switzerland, Holland, Japan, and Australia. Cannondale’s handcrafted bicycles have won numerous design awards and are sold in over 70 countries. The purchase…read more
New Website for Dahon’s 25th Anniversary
Dahon celebrates the start of its 25th Anniversary year by unveiling its new website. The redesign of Dahon's corporate website does not only present improved aesthetics, it also allows more user-friendly navigation. "We originally didn't plan for such a huge make-over but after discussing all our options, we are extremely happy that we went as far as we did", commented Terry Chen, Dahon…read more