Chairman Patrick emphasizes that the Taiwanese bicycle industry is at a crucial juncture, facing both challenges and significant opportunities driven by global trends such as sustainability, digitalization, and evolving market demands. He stresses the importance of continuous innovation and adaptation for companies to remain competitive.

Key Themes Discussed:

1. Net-Zero Carbon Transition:

• Responding to the Taiwanese government's 2050 net-zero goal and international market pressures, the industry is actively pursuing carbon reduction.

• The Bicycle Alliance for Sustainability (BAS), established in 2022, plays a central role, with CHC managing its secretariat. BAS assists companies in developing carbon reduction strategies, calculating carbon footprints, and conducting greenhouse gas inventories.

• BAS membership has grown significantly from an initial 35 companies to 81, achieving a cumulative reduction of 36,800 tons of carbon dioxide, demonstrating the industry's commitment.

• Chairman Patrick views this transition not only as a policy requirement but also as a responsibility towards future generations.

2. Product Innovation through Electronification and Digitalization:

• Future competitiveness, especially in the mid-to-high-end market, hinges on integrating electronic and digital technologies into bicycle products.

• "Smart" products enhance the riding experience, justify price positioning, increase user convenience and safety, and differentiate products in a competitive market.

• He noted that major European, American, and Japanese manufacturers are already focusing on the development of smart, connected products.

3. The Blue Ocean of E-Bikes (Three-Electric Integration):

• The electric-assisted bicycle (E-Bike) sector, particularly the emerging E-Cargo Bike, represents a significant direction for growth.

• E-Bikes with mid-drive motors are already mainstream in Europe, and the next decade is predicted to be a golden age for E-Bikes globally.

• E-Cargo Bikes have the potential to become a popular choice for household and commercial transportation needs (carrying goods, children, and pets), catering to diverse demands.

• In this area, the concepts of "platformization" and "ecological design" will be crucial for future competition.

4. Smart Manufacturing to Enhance Competitiveness:

• The adoption of smart manufacturing is essential for reducing costs (especially labor costs), improving operational resilience, enhancing efficiency, and boosting product quality.

• This is particularly beneficial for navigating market fluctuations and inventory adjustments, as seen in the post-pandemic era.

• He advises companies to leverage periods of lower market demand to invest in technology upgrades and process improvements, preparing for future opportunities.

Challenges and Opportunities: Chairman Patrick concludes that while the market is full of variables, the industry can thrive by actively embracing challenges and innovation. Success depends on continuous investment in smart technologies, carbon reduction, digitalization, and technological advancements. He believes that through the collective efforts of all stakeholders, the Taiwanese bicycle industry will secure a brighter and more competitive future.

The article also highlights the collaborative efforts of CHC, BAS, and the Taiwan Bicycle .

Association (TBA) as a key "iron triangle" guiding the industry through this transformation.