BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
Folding bicycle brand Dahon has signed a licensing agreement with Ford Motor Company for a complete line of new Ford branded bicycles.
The global agreement will see the two companies exchange design ideas with the new line expected to launch next year. They’ll be available through ‘select retail channels’, with Dahon handling production and distribution.
The range will include folding bicycles (naturally), e-bikes, childrens bikes and a full line of accessories.
According to the press statement, the partnership is down to both companies wanting to change future requirements for urban mobility.
Dahon founder and CEO Dr. David Hon said: “This is a very exciting opportunity for us. By partnering with such an environmentally conscious company as Ford, we are taking the next steps in highlighting the need to reduce carbon emissions and influencing today’s auto-dependent public to think about the importance of changing their transport habits to help sustain a greener future.”
Director of global brand licensing and corporate identity at Ford Motor Company John Nens added: “We’re pleased to be working with DAHON, as both our companies are committed to delivering smart, high-quality mobility solutions that meet customers’ needs. DAHON is a great company and we are excited to be working with the industry leader, with 30-plus-years of bike-making experience.”
When car brands dabble in the bike market it’s generally for concept bikes, like this one from Audi and this offering from Toyota – although the latter said its Lexus F Sport is ‘setting the stage for a new chapter in Lexus’ history’.
