Japan's
Bicycle Market and Bridgestone Cycle Japan's bicycle market
is a mature one, with a diffusion rate exceeding 80%. Currently,
the market has been expanding due to the rapid increase in
low-priced imported bicycles. Until recently, Japanese manufacturers
constantly produced about six million bicycles per year. However,
following the increase in imported bicycles since four to
five years ago, this figure decreased to 2.4 million in 2004.
In 2004, Bridgestone Cycle sold about 1.18 million bicycles.
This figure can be broken down, according to product type,
into 57% for comfort, 14% for sport, 14% for kids, 11% for
folding & compact, and 4% for electric bicycles.
Bridgestone Cycle is the market leader in Japan, with a share
of about 11%. Indeed, the Company has remained at the top
for over 30 years. Every year, it offers new products that
spark new demands. Bridgestone always leads the industry by
developing new mechanisms, such as belt drive, Auto Light,
hyper suspension, and I-panel.
We think that our success is due to our efforts to contribute
to society through excellence in quality, technology, safety
and price.
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Changes in the Number of Bicycles Produced in Japan
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Breakdown of Bicycles Sold by Bridgestone Cycle in FY2004,
According to Product Type |
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