The bicycle manufacturer from Lake Constance is feeling the full brunt of the current market hardship: Simplon is rolling into insolvency and restructuring proceedings under self-administration. There is talk of debts of around 45 million euros.

First massive boom years with corona, then a slump in consumer sentiment due to the war in Ukraine and the associated high inflation: the bike industry has not yet overcome these ups and downs. The most recent example is the cult brand Orange Bikes: an insolvency administrator has been appointed and the future of the bike manufacturer, which specializes in single-pivot bikes, is open.

Pierer Mobility, the parent company of motorcycle manufacturer KTM, has filed for insolvency, which also applies to its e-bike brands Husqvarna, GasGas and Felt. Pierer has given away 11,000 e-bikes to employees in order to reduce excess stocks. KTM Fahrrad GmbH, which produces bicycles and e-bikes under the KTM brand, is not affected by the crisis.