LAS VEGAS, Nev. (BRAIN) — Panasonic is working with Kent International to launch three models of e-bikes that will be sold under Kent's Univega USA and Van Dessel brands. All the bikes will be powered by Panasonic batteries and motors and all models are being designed and assembled in the U.S.
"These entries strategically align with the well-seeded global two-wheel mobility craze and matches the accelerating demands of electric-assist bicycles for recreation, fitness and commuting changes seen in America," Panasonic said in a statement Monday.
The line will include the Van Dessel e-MTB, named Captain Shred, and the Van Dessel gravel bike, the Passepartout. Both were engineered and designed from the ground up around the new Panasonic GX0 motor. The e-MTB will be raced in this year's UCI-sanctioned eMountain bike world championship series.
"Panasonic is poised to elevate the exposure and growth of e-bikes, and because of that, Van Dessel is proud to bring two new performance e-bike models to the market, especially given their century-long expertise in the bicycling industry and providing connectivity across multiple industries," said Edwin Bull, the president and founder of Van Dessel. "We are eager to watch our customers experience our new e-bikes to support their lifestyles and technology-driven interests."
The Univega USA touring e-bike, named UVG-1, will feature Panasonic's X0 motor system, weighing in at 3.7kg and offering 80Nm of torque.
Panasonic claims to be the No. 1 e-bike drive system manufacturer in Japan, controlling with more than 40 percent market share there. It was also one of the early players in Europe's e-bike market.
"Our strategic collaboration with Kent International Inc. allows us to expand our portfolio in response to the current tipping point we see in this mobility transformation, where the U.S. market is embracing the cycling culture now more than ever," said Reid Sigety, vice president of Panasonic's e-bike business unit. "Following our success in Asia producing e-bikes, we are excited to expand our portfolio drawing on the core strengths of our automotive group, and build on our vision to help electrify two-wheel mobility to meet consumers' demands for this fun, family-friendly bicycling option."
All three e-bike models will be available for sale late spring of 2019, with pricing to be announced at a later date. They will be on display in the Panasonic booth at this month's CES show in Las Vegas.
Watch for more details on the program in the Feb. 1 issue of Bicycle Retailer & Industry News.
