Tag Archive: Manufacturer

1. MAHLE SmartBike Systems partners with ZyroFisher to expand its partner network

   13/02/2023 14:22 Comments Off on MAHLE SmartBike Systems partners with ZyroFisher to expand its partner network

   LEVA-EU member MAHLE SmartBike Systems, leader of the lightest and most compact drive systems for eBikes, has announced a strategic partnership with ZyroFisher, a major provider of aftermarket and warranty services for the cycling industry. This partnership is a key step in MAHLE’s goal to expand its partner network to more regions in the coming months.

   

   As the exclusive aftermarket distributor for MAHLE SmartBike Systems in the UK and Ireland as well as in France, through its subsidiary Royal Velo France, this collaboration is part of MAHLE’s strategy to improve customer service for their eBike components, which can be found in more than 60 leading industry brands. It will allow MAHLE to expand the reach of their innovative systems and will improve efficiency, providing aftermarket distribution support.

   MAHLE SmartBike Systems’ portfolio has grown exceptionally in recent years and currently, some of the most technologically advanced electric bicycles on the market worldwide are equipped with one of our systems, X20 and X35+, beside accessories such as Range Extenders, PulsarOne and eShifters.

   The partnership with ZyroFisher will allow MAHLE SmartBike Systems to expand the reach of its innovative systems and will improve efficiency within the value chain, providing top-notch aftermarket distribution support.

   With a strong commitment to innovation and technology for the design and development of the most compact, light, and smart drive systems for eBikes, MAHLE SmartBike Systems by partnering with ZyroFisher can further solidify its position as a leader in the eBike market and bring its innovative solutions to even more riders around the world.

   

   

   About MAHLE SmartBike Systems:
   MAHLE SmartBike systems is the leading supplier of hardware and software solutions behind some of the most innovative eBikes in the world. Its innovative solutions are guided by continuous dialog between the bicycle brands, dealers, and riders. Headquartered in Palencia (Spain), MAHLE SmartBike Systems is the subsidiary of MAHLE Group, leading international supplier to the automotive industry. commitment to innovation and technology for the design and development of the most compact, light, and smart drive systems for eBikes, MAHLE SmartBike Systems by partnering with ZyroFisher can further solidify its position as a leader in the eBike market and bring its innovative solutions to even more riders around the world.

   About ZyroFisher:
   ZyroFisher is a leading distributor of brands into the cycling market in the UK. They enable brands to reach their full potential, offering a complete end-to-end service to connect with the end consumer, as well as offering warranty services. Representing some of the most well-known brands in the industry they are based on a state-of-the-art 100,000 sq ft warehouse in the Northeast of England.

2. Bafang Electric launches its first Bafang Dealer Day, attracting hundreds of industry professionals

   23/01/2023 15:38 Comments Off on Bafang Electric launches its first Bafang Dealer Day, attracting hundreds of industry professionals

   The first Bafang Dealer Day took place on January 16 in Nijkerk, generating a great response and positive feedback. More than 450 dealers took up the LEVA-EU member’s invitation to register for the event and made their way to the distinctive venue Hart van Holland. Here, much discussion surrounding Bafang itself, the dealer direct service, new products, and partner opportunities took place.

   Confident presentations and interactive exchange

   The day’s presentations were specially designed with dealer-specific information in mind, ranging from an overview of Bafang’s history to technical insight regarding the latest drive systems. Confidently leading the day’s proceedings was moderator Rens Merckelbach. He was joined by members of Bafang’s Benelux branch Vince Weerden, Santosh Mankoe, and Leroy van Heeren, the branch’s Service Manager, Dealer Direct Service Executive, and Customer Service Specialist respectively. Each presented on their specialist subject, taking time to answer any dealers’ questions on the matters at hand.

   

   New products and the BESST Pro Tool

   After a refreshment break the event continued, moving into an adjacent hall where dealers were able to view Bafang’s latest technological offerings up-close while receiving tailored advice from knowledgeable staff members.

   Alongside the isolated drive systems, batteries, and HMIs on display, a range of test bikes were available for dealers’ use. Supporting Bafang’s own test bikes were branded bikes boasting a range of systems, provided by Jools, Brinckers, BSP, and Dolly Bikes. Based on the faces seen around the specially designed test track, Bafang’s motto, “Engineered to make you smile”, rings true!

   

   The afternoon was then characterized by presentations of the latest products from Bafang by Lennart van Houwelingen, the Sales Manager for Benelux. Following this, Leroy van Heeren returned to deliver a presentation regarding the BESST Pro tool, which is sure to be an exciting prospect for many dealers.

   Rens Merckelbach concluded the event with a light-hearted lottery, where Bafang team members presented a selection of gifts to lucky attendees. Concluding with a classic networking session, the event can only be described as an extremely successful and slick launch of Bafang’s Dealer Day. Full of informative content and exciting ideas, the event clearly outlines Bafang’s focus on development in the European market, and is the product of a great team effort by the staff of Bafang Electric Ltd.

   

3. LEVA-EU member Pendix reports another record year

   09/01/2023 16:37 Comments Off on LEVA-EU member Pendix reports another record year

   Source: RadMarkt, J. Beckendorff

   2022 “couldn’t have gone better” for the Zwickau-based manufacturer of retrofit electric bicycle drives

   In 2022, Pendix GmbH completed the purchase of its cooperation partner VSC Bike GmbH, a cargo bike box supplier; alongside this, Johnson Electric Group now holds a majority 80% stake in Pendix. With so much activity, it’s unsurprising that the business’ previous record year of 2021 has been overtaken by another record year.

   For Pendix Managing Director Thomas Herzog, the year 2022 could not have gone better: “After the two Corona years, it was great to finally meet colleagues from the industry again without restrictions at the trade fairs. And we are also completely satisfied internally. We have ten new colleagues, are now 63 people and are still looking for support. Even if we continue to grow, also in terms of personnel, we want to maintain our team spirit… We want to continue with this motivation in 2023. The cooperation with Johnson Electric gave us wings again.”

   The demand for retrofit systems continues to grow, with the brand’s largest market being the Netherlands, representing almost 10% of 2022’s turnover.

   

4. NieuwsFiets.nu DealerTrip 2023: destination Portugal

   10/10/2022 13:03 Comments Off on NieuwsFiets.nu DealerTrip 2023: destination Portugal

   Source: NieuwsFiets.nu

   The NieuwsFiets DealerTrip is back on the agenda and will travel to Bike Value in Portugal from 8 to 15 January 2023. As the registration period is much shorter than usual, this is a trip for quick decision-makers!

   As travel restrictions have been considerably relaxed again, the new NieuwsFiets.nu ‘DealerReis’ will travel to Portugal next year. This trip will take place in January, and due to the rapid approach of the date, interested entrepreneurs will have to decide quickly. It is certain that it will again be an exciting professional trip, heading to the beating heart of the Portuguese bicycle industry. The program of factory visits is currently being finalized, but visits to companies such as SRAM, Polisport/Bobike, Miranda, and Fritz Jou (producer of QWIC, among others) have been confirmed.

   DealerTravel to Vietnam is too risky due to corona

   The last NieuwsFiets.nu DealerReis took place in 2019 when travel to China was still possible. A trip to Vietnam was originally planned for 2020, but disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic has delayed this visit. “That trip has been postponed twice and was in principle planned for November this year. And although it is currently possible to travel to Vietnam, I think it is too risky,” says organizer Arnauld Hackmann. “Suppose COVID-19 flares up again and Vietnam starts re-instituting quarantine rules, then we have a big problem. I first want to see how things are going there in the coming months, but Vietnam will definitely remain on the wish list for the near future.”

   Portugal: The main production location in the EU bicycle market

   In addition to NieuwsFiets.nu, Hackmann also organizes dealer trips for the German trade magazine Velobiz.de. Editor-in-chief Markus Fritsch proposed the idea of ​​visiting Portugal as an alternative to Vietnam, which has Bike Value in Agueda, where a lot of the bicycle industry is located. “The first discussions were held during Eurobike. November, the month in which the trips normally take place, was not feasible, so we opted for the beginning of January,” explains Hackmann. “An additional advantage is that this trip is a lot cheaper than the Asia trips of the past.”

   The northern Portuguese metropolis of Porto is one of the most beautiful cities on the Iberian Peninsula. In addition, the port city is now an important center of the European bicycle industry; more than one-fifth of bicycles produced in Europe roll off the assembly line in Portugal. The country on the Iberian Atlantic coast has thus developed into the most important production location in the EU bicycle market. In addition, Portugal is an important location for the production of bicycle frames and other parts.

   With the NieuwsFiets.nu DealerTrip 2023, travelers take a look behind the factory gates of eight companies that produce in Portugal from 8 to 15 January. Of course, getting to know the destination’s culture and people is not neglected during this time. During the 8-day trip, there is extensive of opportunity for dealers to network and exchange experiences.

   Registration is open until 1 November 2022

   Find more information on the NieuwsFiets.nu DealerTravel 2023, here.

   

5. Bafang Direct-to-dealer Services see primary launch with select brands

   12:27 Comments Off on Bafang Direct-to-dealer Services see primary launch with select brands

   In the past, to meet the individualized needs of different e-bike brands, LEVA-EU member Bafang Electric (Suzhou) Co., Ltd. (hereafter referred to as Bafang) developed a variety of products and provided after-sales services to brands in a flexible and efficient way. With the maturity of products and development of consumers’ service requirements, some brands took the initiative to ask Bafang to extend its services further to include dealers. To meet the evolving market demand, over the past two years Bafang has developed a direct-to-dealer service (DDS) mode for select bicycle brands and dealers in response to their service requirements, creating a comprehensive, closed-loop system.

   

   This concept was first put into practice in February 2021; in this preliminary stage, the service was available only to a few selected dealers. Following with an excellent response, Bafang’s dealer services network has further expanded and now serves dealers of multiple brands.

   As one of the world’s leading electric bike drive systems and electronic components manufacturers, Bafang knows its responsibility for the continuous flow and exchange of information between brands and their dealers. Therefore, Bafang has refined and strengthened its DDS, heavily investing in the project to provide applicable training programs for the existing products each year.

   In February 2021, Bafang launched the DDS with a Dutch brand, Gazelle. In the first interactive training stage, the brand invited a few dealers to thoroughly trial the dealer services system and assess any problems that arose. By the end of 2021, all of Gazelle’s dealers had been connected to the Bafang DDS system. For the Gazelle brand alone, Bafang will continue to provide more than 700 dealers with services including product training, customer service, and spare parts sales.

   Currently, 5 brands have joined Bafang’s DDS, and the Bafang dealers’ service team has established contact with more than 1,200 dealers to provide relevant services.

   The Bafang DDS service team boasts established technicians with years of industry experience who will train dealers and workshop employees to ensure that they can provide high-quality services to their customers. The scope of services provided by Bafang DDS includes:

   – Free replacement and maintenance of parts (within the warranty period)

   – Stable diagnostic systems

   – Training courses for new products

   – Technical documents in various languages for download (e.g., manuals, e-learning videos,

      assembly/disassembly demonstrations)

   – Quick response and follow-up on any technical issues

   – Sharing of the dealers’ experiences

   At present, the Bafang DDS system remains in its initial development stage, including the logistics system, service platform, training activities, etc., which are being continuously improved upon. In the future, Bafang plans continued expansion of the system to quickly meet dealers’ demands with real-world data and support. Dealers will have the advantage of using the full range of services provided by Bafang and purchasing parts directly through the system, while Bafang Dealer Services itself will continue to expand service outlets and increase service personnel. In April of this year, Bafang held a professional, innovative, and successful online training event with Fischer Bicycle and its international dealers, and is preparing for the provision of a professional service system for more brands and dealers in the future.

   Although the Bafang DDS is a relatively new offering, many dealers have shown great enthusiasm and encouragement for the program, providing valuable suggestions for Bafang to improve the subsequent service work.

   Bafang dealer service process

   How does the Bafang DDS function? Following the signing of a dealer service agreement by a bike brand, the brand’s list of dealers and their relevant details is shared with Bafang. Bafang then prepares all goods and content for the dealers, who can submit product queries through the dedicated DDS web portal. Bafang’s service engineers handle all incoming queries promptly, liaising remotely with the dealer through the most appropriate channels to reach a resolution.

   

6. Bafang M620, designed for the heavy-duty cargo bike market

   03/10/2022 17:22 Comments Off on Bafang M620, designed for the heavy-duty cargo bike market

   Source: Nieuwsfiets

   The latest market studies by major electric bicycle associations clearly show steady growth in the e-cargo bike sector, which will continue to increase in the coming years. LEVA-EU member Bafang is responding to this with the launch of the M620 mid-engine.

   In particular, the segment of heavy, commercially used e-cargo bikes (payload between 500 kg and 1 tonne) give many engineers a headache when choosing the most suitable and sustainable drive concept. Bafang is working intensively to develop solutions to meet the demands placed on these last-mile transport vehicles, which in turn help to meet global requirements for reducing CO2 emissions. Through exchange between the R&D department, users and manufacturers, Bafang has gained knowledge and insights for the effective research and development of its new technical milestone.

   Integrated differential, smooth reverse drive function

   Bafang has opted for a solution that is specifically aimed at use on chain- or belt-driven heavy-duty tricycles. Bafang creates entire systems that work in synergy for this application, for example, the powerful mid-engine M620, with a new 3-speed automatic gear hub, plus an integrated differential grid, and reverse gear. According to the Chinese manufacturer, these form the ideal system solution in combination with a powerful and reliable mid-mounted motor.

   WWW.BAFANG-E.COM

   

7. Greenway expand their Danish joint venture, Viridus Manufacturing A/S, for battery production

   26/09/2022 12:07 Comments Off on Greenway expand their Danish joint venture, Viridus Manufacturing A/S, for battery production

   In 2019, LEVA-EU member Greenway invested in a new battery pack manufacturing facility, Viridus Manufacturing A/S in Aarhus, Denmark. After 3 years of growth, the site was ready for expansion and doubled production capacity.

   From the very start, the manufacturing factory had a focus on sustainability, running with zero net emissions. In order to improve zero-emission measurements, a completely new building was planned and constructed by the Danish Viridus team. The factory’s battery equipment, automation, and production know-how came from the Chinese Greenway team.

   In August 2022 the Viridus team moved into the new site and started production. The building is carbon-neutral and packed with sustainable features like a wastewater recycling system, biodiversity gardens, CO2-neutral heat pump, reusable building materials, waste sorting, solar panels, bike charging stations, and a healthy indoor climate.

   The Danish battery production is supplied by 100% renewable energy, and electric cars are used for internal transportation. Furthermore, all employees have access to training facilities, healthcare, and a healthy canteen environment.

   The new site in Aarhus, Denmark, received a Gold DGNB German Sustainable Building Council certificate for the focus on sustainability and recyclability. Congratulations, Viridus team on fantastic work!

   

   

   

8. Takeover of Klaassen Parts by Van Raam

   22/08/2022 16:10 Comments Off on Takeover of Klaassen Parts by Van Raam

   As of September 1, 2022, LEVA-EU member Van Raam will take over Klaassen Parts. The company continues under the name Your CNC Solutions. Your CNC Solutions will focus on both serial and single-piece turning and milling work.

   Personnel and machines will move to Euroweg 12 in Varsseveld before the end of this year. With this acquisition, Van Raam has taken a great step in expanding its sister companies.

   In addition to Klaassen’s current machinery, Your CNC Solutions will utilize Van Raam’s existing machines and professionals. Your CNC Solutions will continue to supply Klaassen’s current customers.

   Dominik Tempels is the new point of contact in the form of company manager. Guido Klaassen will focus on innovation and new technical possibilities.

   

9. Hirschvogel sets target on green mobility manufacturing

   04/07/2022 16:16 Comments Off on Hirschvogel sets target on green mobility manufacturing

   Source: Cycling Industry News, M. Sutton

   LEVA-EU member Hirschvogel is one of the world’s largest motor vehicle parts suppliers. Now, the auto giant shifts its focus towards ‘green business’

   In its move to compete in the green and light mobility market, including that of bicycles, the business has dedicated 67% of its 2021 investment into such sectors; this equates to approximately €174 million. For context, the group consolidated sales of €1.25 billion in 2018 and employs over 6,000.

   This new focus should come as no surprise after the group revealed some 70% of orders for parts won in 2021 were associated with ‘green businesses’, with this trend continuing into 2022.

   “The focus is on green business, the “green” business around CO2 – emission-free mobility concepts. In order to ensure growth and employment at all locations for future generations as well, we are currently aligning the components business in the automotive sector with high pressure towards e-mobility and drive independence. At the same time, we would like to grow through company investments in related technologies and markets,” says Jörg Rückauf, the company CEO.

   

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