Batavus

Batavus BV is a Dutch bicycle manufacturer, owned by the Accell Group European Cycle conglomerate. Batavus Intercycle Corporation was the leading manufacturer of bicycles and mopeds in the Netherlands during the 1970s. During its most productive years, the company's 350000 sqft. Heerenveen plant employed 700 to produce 70,000 Batavus mopeds and 250,000 bicycles a year. During this time, Batavus was exporting 55 percent of its production with the remainder going to the Netherlands, which had more than two million mopeds in 1977.

History

In 1904, Andries Gaastra opened a shop selling clocks and small farm machinery.[1] Within two years, he had added bicycles, selling bikes manufactured by the German company Presto. Soon, he began making and selling bicycles under the Batavus brand.[2]

By 1917, Batavus had taken over a large bicycle factory. The 1930s proved difficult as much of Europe was in economic recession, but Batavus continued growing by diversifying to include carrier tricycles, motorcycles, and ice skates. World War II saw the temporary shutdown of the factory.

World-wide moped distribution

In 1970, Batavus joined the Dutch Laura group, which includes Laura Motoren, and Laura Engines used on Batavus mopeds in the UK, except the Sachs-powered sports machine and the Mk 4S. First imports to the UK were in 1973, with the setting up of Harglo by two former BSA/Triumph executives, Wilf Harrison and Peter Glover. They imported and distributed Batavus mopeds in the UK and Ireland.

The early Go-Go V was a rigid frame machine, discontinued, but after the introduction of the Go-Go VA, four new machines were added to the UK market in 1974 and two more in 1976. By this time the company had a reputation for quality machines, which, while not the cheapest, were good to look at and offered little trouble.

At Earls Court, London, in 1976, Batavus showed the seven-model range; six machines were powered by the 48cc Laura engine, with V-belt primary drive and automatic clutch. The exception was the top-of-the-range Mk 4S, with motorcycle styling and the Sachs four-speed motor. Specification include an electronic tachometer, battery-operated turn signals and heavy-duty suspension front and rear. This model, which has the overall dimensions of a full-sized motorcycle was the biggest machine sold by Batavus.

As early as 1972 total production of bicycles was 250,000 and mopeds 60,000 a year. Of these, 60,000 bicycles and 27,000 mopeds went abroad. Sales were strong in West Germany and Switzerland. Iran, Israel, Belgium and Greece were also important. In Turkey, Batavus mopeds began to be manufactured under license in 1972. In 1977, Batavus made more bicycles and mopeds than any other company in the Netherlands. It was the biggest Dutch exporter of machines, with 55 percent of production going outside the Netherlands to accommodate interest for fuel-efficient transport in the USA during the 1970s. Batavus set up its USA headquarters in Atlanta, GA.

In the early 1970s, bicycle demand continued to increase, prompting Batavus to expand the factory to 25,000 square meters.[2] Moped demand declined, and although there was a significant increase in moped popularity in the USA during the fuel crisis of the 1970s, Batavus built and shipped the last moped in the early 1980s.

type	Division
foundation	1904
founder	Andries Gaastra
location city	Heerenveen
location country	Netherlands
industry	Bicycles, mopeds
products	Bicycle and related components, mopeds and motorcycles
parent	Accell Group
homepage	www.batavus.com

History

World-wide moped distribution

In competition: bicycle races and sponsored teams

Innovations

External links

References