Founder of Taiwanese bicycle brand Giant has passed away
King Liu, the founder of Giant Bicycles, has passed away at the age of 93. Liu is regarded as one of the leading figures in the cycling industry. The Taiwanese bike brand sees Liu not only as the founder of the company but also as "a leader who consistently advanced the organization while always keeping an eye on the people around him."
Liu was born in 1934 in Taichung, Taiwan, and came into contact with cycling and the bike industry via a roundabout route. He initially worked in various other sectors – including eel farming – but in 1972, Liu started a bike factory in his hometown. At first, he produced bikes for other brands, but in 1981 his company began marketing products under its own name.
This marked the beginning of the Giant brand, which is still headquartered in Taichung. The Taiwanese bike brand quickly became a household name in the cycling world, partly thanks to the development of the Cadex racing bike in 1986. This was the first mass-produced carbon fiber racing bike.
Cycling Pioneer
Over the past decades, Giant has grown into one of the leading brands in the cycling industry. Taiwan is now considered a world leader in the bicycle trade, partly due to Liu's pioneering work. In 2016, he decided to hand over daily management to his successor, Bonnie Tu. Today, Giant generates annual revenues exceeding 2 billion dollars.
"Through a strong focus on quality and setting a clear long-term vision, Liu led the company onto the world stage. Thanks to his efforts, the world discovered the strength and potential of the Taiwanese cycling industry," the company stated in a release. "He dedicated his entire life to cycling. He was one of the most important advocates of Taiwanese cycling."
