WTI Magazine #30    2014 May, 15
Author : buonenotizie.it      Translation by:

Italy remains the largest producer of bicycles in Europe: in addition to being a "nation of saints, poets and explorers", Italy is increasingly becoming a "nation of cyclists". In 2013, in fact, the Italian production of two-wheelers has increased by 22% and export has reached a record-increase of 39%.

According to recent data released by Confindustria Ancma (National Association of cycle, motorcycle and accessories) Italy remains the uncontested leader for the number of bicycles produced: 2.671.200 units, or nearly half a million bike more than the 2,190,000 in 2012.

The data are positive also for sales: the report announces that in Italy in 2013 1.5 million bikes have been sold, with a 3% increase in sales in Southern Italy and the islands. The best-selling are city bikes, followed by mountain bikes, kids bikes, classical and electric. The Northeast is confirmed in the first place, despite a decline of 3.9% in overall sales, and there is a record in the sales of electric bicycles with pedal assistance.

The sector of e-bikes, in fact, stands for growth-record of 12%, exceeding 50,000 units sold and confirming to be the most lively productive segment. Among the constantly growing niche segments we find folding bikes and cargo bikes (bikes with boxes to transport objects).

Overall, concludes the report, the trade balance of bikes and their components was € 165 million and reported an excellent + 2.5%. "Bikes today represent one of the most important solutions for sustainable mobility" said Corrado Capelli, President of Confindustria Ancma: "you will save in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, and you will gain in health and in transfer speed inside the cities. And those who decide to ride contain the operating costs".

The director of the Bicycle Sector of Confindustria Ancma, Piero Nigrelli, stressed the excellent performance of this sector and its export - especially in the segment considered our production's first pride: bikes for kids. "We have exported half a million bicycles more than last year and this is a tremendous achievement, which has pushed the whole production. We're proud of the fact that we provide bicycles for 35% of the European children, thanks to the production of 1.1 million bikes for kids".

The slight decline in terms of sales, concluded Nigrelli, mainly from the economic crisis and the BIC (the "bici in cantina", as to say old bikes left in the basement and now rediscovered and restored), that Ancma estimates to be over 30 million in Italy. All of these BIC, however, while holding back new purchases, allow the entire industry to work thanks to the purchase of spare parts and the repair and maintenance.

We have talked to one of the great and historic Italian producers, to ask him what does he think of all these positive data: " Despite the strong economic crisis" confirms Emilio Lombardo, CEO of Lombardo Bikes "the sector of the made in Italy bikes sees a steady growth in recent years: a sign that our work is well done, is appreciated in the international markets and highly competitive". In the end, therefore, quality always pays and knows no crisis.