Bicycle makers expect 10% sales growth

The nation's bicycle companies expect an average 10 percent increase in sales this year as a result of a growing emphasis on environmental and leisure awareness.

Giant Inc (巨大集團), the world's largest bicycle manufacturer, said an increasing awareness of global warming and rising fuel prices have promoted the popularity of bicycles as a means of transport.

"Major European cities, such as Paris and Lyon in France, have started to provide public bicycle rental services in a bid to help improve traffic and pollution problems," Ray Lin (林睿智), marketing coordinator of the Taichung-based Giant, said at the Taipei International Cycle Show on Thursday.

Bicycling has also become increasing popular in Taiwan in recent years, Giant Inc chairman and CEO King Liu (劉金標) said, adding that he expected 10 percent year-on-year growth in Giant Inc's sales this year.

Nevertheless, an increase in bicycle retail prices are inevitable amid soaring prices of raw materials, manufacturers said.

Jeffrey Sheu (許立忠), special assistant and spokesman for Giant Inc's general office, said the company's average unit free on board (FOB) price for exports from Taiwan rose from US$325 in 2006 to US$330 last year, and would increase further this year.

The Taipei International Cycle Show at the newly opened Taipei World Trade Center Nangang Exhibition Hall, runs through Sunday.