Message from Dr. Hon

It was an exciting year for Dahon in 2008 in terms of growth and though we expect 2009 to be just as promising, many challenges lie ahead of us. In 2009, Dahon will continue to push forward with its corporate mission to promote green mobility. Put simply, we’re going to work hard to get more butts on bikes.

The year 2009 is shaping up to be a challenging year for us and our partners. Industries around the world are feeling the effects of economic turmoil, but we are encouraged because bicycling is bucking the trend as more people turn to cycling as a means of transportation. People in increasing numbers are starting to see the economic, environmental, and health benefits that cycling can bring.

In our own offices worldwide, out of those who commute to work, roughly 15% now cycle to work while roughly only 16% drive, with the rest taking public transportation. We see these numbers as a validation of our efforts to promote biking and alternative means of transportation as a viable, healthy alternative to driving.

We realize that bicycles alone are not going to solve the world’s transportation and related environmental issues, so Dahon this year will officially join the Global Alliance for EcoMobility, which aims to promote public policies worldwide that support environmentally friendly and sustainable means of transportation. We all need to approach the environmental issues affecting us and future generations in a holistic manner, and we hope that we can help promote positive changes in public policies around the world.

The year 2009 will definitely be a challenging year for all of us but we are encouraged by the changes in public thinking about the need for greener, more economically feasible transportation. As more people become aware of how their actions affect the environment and realize the physical and economic benefits of commuting by bike, we’re looking forward to more people turning to the trusty time-proven bicycle for their transportation needs.