TAIPEI CYCLE 2014 Hit New Records: TAITRA

The 27th Taipei International Cycle Show (TAIPEI CYCLE 2014), which ended on Mar. 8, set several new records, according to its organizer, the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA).

The new records include new highs of 1,477 exhibitors using 5,054 booths, 10,523 buyers (up 2.15% from the previous show), and business opportunities worth an estimated US$500 million (up 66.6%).

For the first time since 1988, TAITRA said, the  41st Taipei International Sporting Goods Show (TaiSPO 2014) was held concurrently with TAIPEI CYCLE.

In addition to major brands from Taiwan, 27% of the TAIPEI CYCLE exhibitors came from overseas, demonstrating the international standing of the show as a leading platform for the industry's global advancement.

The Ford Motor Co. of the U.S., a first-time auto-making exhibitor at TAIPEI CYCLE, chose to showcase its folding bikes, which become a spotlight of the event. The American carmaker is scheduled to officially introduce of these bikes at its global headquarters in May. The Darfon Corp., a subsidiary of Taiwan's BenQ Group, unveiled its Panther PSI electric bike, which won a Gold Award at the TAIPEI CYCLE d&i awards sponsored by the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) and organized by iF DESIGN ASIA Ltd.

In line with the rapidly rising vogue for fitness activities, TAITRA held a "2014 TaiSPO Fitness Industry and Fitness Club Management Forum" to share the insights of high-profile experts from the health and fitness industry. Speakers included representatives from the world's largest international fitness organization, IHRSA (the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association); the world's largest 24-hour gym and the fastest-growing gym franchise, Anytime Fitness; the world's fourth-largest gym, World Gym; and world's largest fitness and TeleFitness educator, AFAA (the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America).

According to Jay Ablondi, vice president of IHRSA, the global revenues of health, sports, and fitness clubs grew by over 4% in 2013. Asia currently accounts for only about 18% of the total, compared to around 74% for the U.S. and Europe, but is expected to continue upgrading its ratio.

Caption: Quality, innovative bicycle products were exhibited at TAIPEI CYCLE 2014 (photo courtesy TAITRA)