As electric bicycles spread rapidly across Europe, a shortage of specialised mechanics is emerging as a new challenge. An ECI report forecasts the industry will need to hire about 105,000 mechanics by 2032 to meet demand and replace workers leaving the sector. The technical complexity of e-bikes and heavy-use cargo, delivery, rental and leased bikes is boosting maintenance needs. A Shimano survey found many Europeans faced high costs, long waits and limited access to repair shops, and some reduced cycling.

Chinese electric vehicle maker Xpeng is expanding a licensing business to sell autonomous driving and smart cockpit technology to external customers beyond its cooperation with Volkswagen. The company set up a commercialization team about six months ago and is seeking contracts for vehicle E/E architecture, smart cockpit, its Turing AI chip, advanced driver assistance systems and autonomous driving software. Hyundai Motor is also turning to robotaxis as a new demand driver in the United States.