The 19th China International Bicycle & Motor Fair (CHINA CYCLE 2009) to be Held May 4-7, 2009 at the Shanghai New International Expo Center (SNIEC)

SHANGHAI , May 4 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Amid a global economic downturn, the bicycle industry has been seriously affected especially for those export- oriented companies with falling orders from Europe and America. CHINA CYCLE 2009 is facing the same challenges. During the course of organizing the event, many bicycle companies shared their views on finding new opportunities under the current environment.

Most bicycle companies agree that there are opportunities amid the crisis. The industry needs to focus more on the local market by knowing the needs of Chinese customers. Meanwhile, international brands will also emphasis the Chinese market due to the slowdown of their own market. It will cause more competition. Chinese companies can develop business opportunities by forming partnerships with international brands to work on the local market together. Under the current economic environment, cycling is also a good way to save costs and protect the environment.

The response from exhibitors has proofed much stronger than what was originally expected. Despite operating under a relatively restricted budget and smaller booths, the number of exhibitors remains the same. By the end of February, all of the seven halls were fully booked. With the local economy already seeing signs of recovery due to the four trillion yuan ($586 billion) stimulus package, increasing tax refund and other stimulus policies by the government, small-and-medium companies are showing great interests in exhibiting. In March, CHINA CYCLE 2009 decided to expand by adding 2,000 square meters of temporary hall. Even this, some companies are on the waiting list.

All major local brands will participate in the show including the traditional "Big Four" -- Forever,Phoenix, Flying-pigeon and Wuyang; Taiwanese brands, Giant, Merida, Ideal etc. Other brands have shown great ambitions by expanding their scope in the exhibition, such as private companies like LBH and Golden Wheel. Golden Wheel even booked 800 square meters showing their products with new technologies. Even Forever, one of the oldest brands inChina, will display their latest solution in public bike systems -- the development of bike-for-rent sites at some metro stations that offer fast and convenient bike rental service for local citizens.

More than 100 international brands will participate in the show. Shimano still holds the biggest and the most central location in Hall W1, showing their firm confidence in the Chinese market. Made-in-Italy is always popular among bike riders. Colnago, Bianchi, Campagnolo, and other Italian bike parts will demonstrate their new products to the Chinese market. German parts-maker, including Sigma Sport, Continental and Magura will also present. In addition, there will be the excitement of new brands enteringChina such as LAPIERRE, TITUS, CATLIKE and Clarks Cable. Most of the brands are showing together with their local distributor and the distribution system inChina is reaching maturity.

More events during the show

Same as last year, the show will be highlighted by a series of events, with more new and interesting activities this year:

1. Riding in memory of the 5.12 earthquake

This May will mark the anniversary of the 5.12 earthquake inSichuan. As part of the memorial activities, some riders will ride from the epic center and travel 40 cities of 2,800 kilometers before finally arriving inShanghai to show their gratitude to those who helped them during the quake.

2. Bicycle design

International Bicycle Design Competition was first held in 2008. This year, the top 20 will havre models during the show, a great step to real products. Hopefully, there will be more trading for buying the ideas. There will also be other events involving bicycle design, such as bicycle designers' show area and college students' bicycle design competition.

3. Bike+Arts+Culture

There will be an Installation art area for bikes. Artists will make bikes and parts into an artwork. For Chinese people, bicycle is a symbol of the changing times and an important part of our memory. A famous bicycle collector will feature his collection of 30 bikes in the show.

4. Tell a bicycle story, the photo competition

Photos of bicycle and people at different time shows how bicycle changes our life in many aspects. We've already received more than 800 photos from all over the country. These photos show that bicycle never leaves us although cars can be found in every corner of the city. And bicycle will never leave us.

5. College student bicycle union

All kinds of bicycle activities are extremely popular in college. In many colleges, there are bicycle societies. In order to provide a wider platform for those bicycle lovers in the campus, we suggest building a national bicycle union for college students. A platform can be provided.

SOURCE Shanghai International Exhibition Co Ltd.

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