Once again more bicycle sales
(SFZ) According to a survey conducted by «velosuisse», the association of Swiss bicycle suppliers, 279,000 new bicycles were sold in Switzerland in 2004 (not including bicycles for children and toys and private imports). This represents an increase of 12,000 units or 4.5% over the previous year.
The overall bicycle market remained stable in 2004. With an almost unchanged 73% market share, the specialist trade was able to maintain its leading position in Europe. Many bike freaks apparently continue to rely on know-how, good service and attractive selection. Equally unchanged (27%) was the share of major distributors/discounters and sports retail chains whose strengths lie in the private label, junior and price segments below CHF 1,000.
Swiss production increased
Swiss bicycle production has bottomed out: Following the structural adjustment of recent years, with a corresponding fall in production, the proportion of bicycles manufactured and/or assembled in Switzerland has risen again from 34,000 to 40,000 units, or around 15% of the total market. Swiss manufacturers are focusing on the flexible assembly of high-quality models in the upper price segment, which are tailored to individual customer requirements. Almost two-thirds of bicycle buyers have sporting ambitions and do without full equipment suitable for everyday and street use. Full-suspension high-tech mountain bikes with carbon components or carbon frames continue to be in vogue, with growth of around 16% over the previous year. In the case of fully equipped everyday and leisure bikes, most of which are bought by women, good suspension is in line with the trend: 80% of them are already supplied with a sprung front fork. In urban and conurbation areas, the demand for hub gears has increased massively due to the launch of a new 8-speed version. The industry will continue to rely on quality-conscious consumers and guaranteed after-sales service and repair.
March 15th 2005