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.
European Commission to review anti-dumping duties against China and to lift duties against Vietnam
On 19 March 2010, a notice of impending expiry of the anti-dumping measures against bicycles from China and Vietnam was published in the Official Journal of the EU. Accordingly, EU producers had until 19 June 2010 to file an application for an expiry review aimed at prolonging the existing measures.
On 7 July, the Commission has announced the initiation of an expiry…read more
Cycling without language-barriers - EESC launches European Cycling Lexicon's second edition
Want to request a "puncture repair kit" in Lithuanian? Or ask for a "Green wave for cyclists" in Romanian? Need to know "Is this road good for cycling?" in Arabic? Or think what Brussels could do to co-finance your cycle ways? No problem – the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) launched the second edition of its popular European Cycling Lexicon today at the international cycling…read more
EU bicycle market reports
EU report
Overall development of sales
With a few exceptions (see Belgium), 2009 was a very hard year for bicycle dealers. This usually continued until the early winter months of 2010, however since then positive market developments have been noted in practically all EU countries.
Other market and distribution trends
More and more car…read more
Jeans fashion firm giving bikes away in European promotion
Dahon, the world leader in folding bicycles, announced the launch of special edition co-branded bicycles and carrying bags with Lee jeans. The limited-edition bicycles and bags are being offered in Lee retail stores throughout Europe as part of a special sales and promotion campaign titled “Urban MobiLEEty.”
“Lee wanted to emphasize the modern, sophisticated, urban image that it has in Europe…read more
European Commission calls for proposals for promotion of cycling tourism in the EU
Action ENT/TOU/10/611 : Promotion of cycling tourism in the European Union as means of sustainable tourism development Deadline: 30 July 2010
The overall objective of this call for proposals is to provide added value in improving the sustainability and competitiveness performance of European cycling tourism.
This call aims at supporting and promoting cross-border…read more
European Commission carries out information campaign on CE marking
Under the slogan "CE marking makes Europe's market yours!", the European Commission is carrying out an information campaign on the CE marking. The marking signals that a product is in compliance with all relevant EU legislation, making it eligible to be marketed and sold throughout the EU. By affixing the CE marking on a product, a manufacturer is declaring, on his sole responsibility, conformity…read more
Shimano launches new component range for electric bikes
Shimano is presenting a new component group for e-bikes named STEPS (Shimano Total Electric Power System). The development is based on the idea that an e-bike has to stay a bicycle and needs to have a smooth and natural handling with a well-balanced support while pedalling.
Shimano’s first generation of e-bike components is based on four design principles:
1. Fun and Comfortable…read more
2010 Annual Polis Conference - First announcement and call for speakers
The Annual Polis Conference will take place this year in Dresden on 25 and 26 November 2010. The topic of this year’s conference is “Innovation in transport for sustainable cities and regions”.
Innovation in transport for sustainable cities and regions
The Annual Polis Conference provides an opportunity for cities and regions to showcase their transport achievements to a large audience and…read more
Clean Mobile Selected as a Red Herring Top 100 Europe Tech Startup
ETRA associate member Clean Mobile was officially announced as one of Red Herring Top 100 winners. Clean Mobile’s highly efficient alternative drive train system for Light Electric Vehicles convinced the judge panel and was therefore selected as being one of Europe’s most promising technology Start-Ups.
Red Herring’s Top 100 Europe list has become a mark of distinction for identifying…read more
Seoul design competition 2010
Seoul Design Foundation together with de website Designboom promotes an international cycle design competition. Participation is open to applicants from every country in the world, to professionals, students, and design-enthusiasts.
Once considered a 'hard' city, Seoul is making strides toward becoming a 'soft'city. Seoul is about to be reborn as a soft city by embracing design concepts that…read more