The TAIPEI CYCLE SHOW – the third largest bicycle fair worldwide – is considered to be a platform for international sales, predominantly in the Asian and non-European countries. Originally an OEM show, its character has changed to that of an export fair. Apart from 7,200 purchasers from 107 countries (+11%), it also attracted 20,000 Taiwanese visitors (bicycle vendors from the island as well as, on the last day, end consumers) to its 26th show. Especially the number of visitors from Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand grew significantly. 1,103 exhibitors from 36 countries showed the trends of the coming season: besides carbon racing bikes, pedelecs, retro bikes and fully spring-suspended 29” bikes dominated the scene.
STEVENS Bikes shared their exhibition with the Taiwanese importer Rui Jin Sports. With 50% more area compared to last year and a top placement in the main thoroughfare, export director Jenny von Hacht was able to note “a perceived threefold increase in attendance”. “We had many inquiries by new customers and had the opportunity to demonstrate the new collection to the press. STEVENS is very well known as a German brand in the Asian market and also very popular”. Together with Julian von Hacht, who will also work in STEVENS' export sales after the Taipei Show, Jenny looked after the importers, while development engineer Frank Ziemann and brand manager Volker Dohrmann mainly negotiated with suppliers.
That Taiwan has, by now, not only become one of the leading suppliers of bicycle parts but has also expedited the development of bicycle traffic infrastructure is proved by the bicycle lanes in the metropolis of 5 million inhabitants, Taipei, the You-Bike rental bikes and also the number of bikers on the streets. Early in the morning at 6.30, before the fair opened, the STEVENS Crew went on the “early bird” racing bike excursions into the mountains north of Taipei. On the first day, the group of local bikers, suppliers and US vendors split so badly after traffic light sprints that only a helpful taxi driver (601 CY) could lead the way to the hotel – the “lead vehicle” provided this service free of charge.
“The fair had a very positive mood”, says brand manager Volker Dohrmann, “you feel the vigour of the local vendors and the high esteem enjoyed by the bicycle industry here. During talks on the thoroughfare, it often happens that a delegation of the Taiwanese President comes along, complete with a TV crew, and shows itself with local companies on the fair. That would certainly be a model for the Eurobike.” After 4 days, the Taipei Cycle Show ended on Saturday. After enjoying 20°C and partly sunny weather, the Hamburg delegation was welcomed back to the German winter.