Taipei Int'l Bicycle Show slated for March 4-7 at TWTC with record exhibition space

Taipei, Feb. 25, 2005 (CENS)--The 2005 Taipei International Bicycle Show (Taipei Cycle '05), Asia's largest bicycle fair, will be held on March 4-7 at Taipei World Trade Center (TWTC) with number of exhibition stands to hit a record high of over 2,000, according to show organizer Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA).

TAITRA said that most of Taiwan-based bike makers in mainland China, Vietnam and the Philippines would participate in the annual event, and many leading international brands in the U.S. and Europe would also debut their latest products at this year's fair in recognition of the increasing importance of the cycle fair in Taiwan.

TAITRA said that the Taipei Cycle show is an increasingly important fair of its kind as several leading complete-bike and parts makers in Taiwan has formed the A-Team industry alliance to jointly develop and market high-end bike products. With the A-Team, the council pointed out, the Taipei Cycle show has become an important stage for demonstrating new high-end complete bikes and parts. Last year, the show attracted over 2,800 international professional buyers to place many orders with local makers.

TAITRA said that all the top-three bike makers in Taiwan, including Giant Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Merida Industry Co., Ltd. And Ideal Bike Corp., will launch their latest carbon-fiber mountain, racing and recreational bike models as well as electric bikes at the show. In addition, many leading parts suppliers, including Lee Chi Enterprise Co., Ltd., Tektro Brake Systems, Falcon Cycle-parts Co., Ltd., Sunrace Roots Enterprise Co., Ltd., KMC Chain Industrial Co., Ltd. Etc. will exhibit their latest brake caliper, brake system, derailleur and chain products to attract patronage from international buyers.

Merida president Michael Tseng pointed out that carbon-fiber bike models are enjoying hot sales in the international high-end bike market. In a bid for international buyers to recognize Merida's R&D efforts and capability, Tseng added, his company plans to demonstrate some classic-style racing bikes with carbon-fiber frames, new mountain bikes with even-better shock-absorption functions. Merida expects to ship over 12,000 units of these two types of high-end bikes this year, up 50% from last year.

TAITRA pointed out that a phenomenon rarely seen in past events is that many exodus Taiwan bike makers investing abroad have decided to take part in the Taipei Cycle '05 with big exhibition space.

Exports of Taiwan-made Bicycles
Year	Export Volume	Export Value	Average Unit Price
2004	4.38 million	US$720 million	US$164.41
2003	3.88 million	US$583 million	US$150.14
2002	4.22 million	US$524 million	US$124.16

Numbers of Exhibitors and Booths At Taipei Cycle
	2005			2004			2003		2002		2001		2005/2004 Change
	Overseas	Local		Overseas	Local		Overseas	Local	Overseas	Local	Overseas	Local
Exhibitor	130	490		110	472		112	490	121	509	120	509
Total	620			582			601		611		629		+7%
Booth	377		1,650	340		1,488	331	1,420	331	1,416	1,460	279
Total	2,027			1,828			1,751		1,747		1,739		+11%