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{{Infobox company
{{Infobox company
| name = Royal Dutch Gazelle
| name = Royal Dutch Gazelle
| logo =
| logo =
| type = Private
| type = [[Privately held company|Private]]
| foundation = 1892
| foundation = 1892
| location_city =
| location_city =
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| divisions =
| divisions =
| subsid =
| subsid =
| homepage = http://www.gazelle.nl
| homepage = https://www.gazelle.nl
| dissolved =
| dissolved =
| footnotes =
| footnotes =
}}
}}


'''Royal Dutch Gazelle''' is the largest<ref>{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.tweewieler.nl/nieuws/1097/gazelle-neemt-koppositie-over.html "Gazelle neemt koppositie over,"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110509032916/http://www.tweewieler.nl/nieuws/1097/gazelle-neemt-koppositie-over.html |date=2011-05-09 }} Tweewieler.nl (28-10-2008).</ref> and most famous<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tweewieler.nl/nieuws/1144/gazelle-onmisbaar-voor-nederlanders.html |title=Tweewieler.nl - Home |accessdate=2009-04-27 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20130222220722/http://www.tweewieler.nl/nieuws/1144/gazelle-onmisbaar-voor-nederlanders.html |archivedate=2013-02-22 }}</ref> [[bicycle]] manufacturer in the Netherlands. Gazelle employs 550 workers at its factory in [[Dieren]], [[Netherlands]], producing 300,000 bicycles a year. Total production has passed 13 million.
[[File:Gazelle Omafahrrad series -4.jpg|thumb|Gazelle (bicycle company)]]
'''Royal Dutch Gazelle''' is the largest<ref>{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.tweewieler.nl/nieuws/1097/gazelle-neemt-koppositie-over.html "Gazelle neemt koppositie over,"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110509032916/http://www.tweewieler.nl/nieuws/1097/gazelle-neemt-koppositie-over.html |date=2011-05-09 }} Tweewieler.nl (28-10-2008).</ref> and most famous<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tweewieler.nl/nieuws/1144/gazelle-onmisbaar-voor-nederlanders.html |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2009-04-27 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://archive.is/20130222220722/http://www.tweewieler.nl/nieuws/1144/gazelle-onmisbaar-voor-nederlanders.html |archivedate=2013-02-22 }}</ref> [[bicycle]] manufacturer in the Netherlands. Gazelle employs 550 workers at its factory in [[Dieren]], [[Netherlands]], producing 300,000 bicycles a year. Total production has passed 13 million.


== History ==
== History ==
Line 34: Line 33:


=== 1892-1919 ===
=== 1892-1919 ===
The company was founded 1892 by Willem Kölling and Rudolf Arentsen.<ref name="CR003">http://www.rijwiel.net/gazellee.htm</ref> Initially they sold bicycles imported from England. They started their own production using the Gazelle name in 1902.
The company was founded 1892 by Willem Kölling and Rudolf Arentsen.<ref name="CR003">{{Cite web|url=http://www.rijwiel.net/gazellee.htm|title = Gazelle}}</ref> Initially they sold bicycles imported from England. They started their own production using the Gazelle name in 1902.


=== 1920-1949 ===
=== 1920-1949 ===
During the period from the 1920s to the 1940s, Gazelle had success exporting bicycles to the [[East Indies]]. Many Gazelle bicycles survive throughout [[Indonesia]] even today and are a highly sought after Dutch collectors item. During this period, Gazelle was to use the Piet Pelle cartoon character throughout many advertising campaigns. [http://www.vimeo.com/1132271 This video] from 1925 shows the Gazelle factory and production techniques.
During the period from the 1920s to the 1940s, Gazelle had success exporting bicycles to the [[East Indies]]. Many Gazelle bicycles survive throughout [[Indonesia]] even today and are a highly sought after Dutch collectors item. During this period, Gazelle was to use the Piet Pelle cartoon character throughout many advertising campaigns. [http://www.vimeo.com/1132271 This video] from 1925 shows the Gazelle factory and production techniques.


Developments include a collapsible delivery bicycle in 1930 and a [[tandem]] bicycle introduced in 1935. An electric bicycle was produced in 1937 together with [[Philips]].
Developments include a collapsible delivery bicycle in 1930, and a [[tandem]] bicycle introduced in 1935. An electric bicycle was produced in 1937 together with [[Philips]].


===1950-1979 ===
===1950-1979 ===
In 1954 Gazelle became a public company and built its millionth bicycle. In 1959, Gazelle patented the first 3-Speed grip shift gear system.
In 1954 Gazelle became a public company and built its millionth bicycle. In 1959, Gazelle patented the first 3-speed grip shift gear system.


Gazelle was the first Dutch bicycle manufacturer to introduce the "Kwikstep" [[folding bicycle]] in 1964. The front-hub drum brake was developed in 1968 and is still in production today.
Gazelle was the first Dutch bicycle manufacturer to introduce the "Kwikstep" [[folding bicycle]] in 1964. The front-hub drum brake was developed in 1968 and is still in production today.


In the mid 1960s Gazelle built a "Special Racing Division" workshop at their factory in [[Dieren]]. In this workshop race frames were handbuilt by skilled craftsmen. At the height of their commercial success (around 1980-85) about 35 people were employed. Gazelle had success with the steel framed "Champion Mondial" bicycles and sponsored the now infamous TVM racing team. The team folded in 2000 because of a doping scandal.
In the mid-1960s, Gazelle built a "Special Racing Division" workshop at their factory in [[Dieren]]. In this workshop, race frames were handbuilt by skilled craftsmen. At the height of their commercial success (around 1980–1985) about 35 people were employed. Gazelle had success with the steel framed "Champion Mondial" bicycles and sponsored the now infamous [[TVM (cycling team)|TVM]]racing team. The team folded in 2000 because of a doping scandal.


=== 1980-2009 ===
=== 1980-2009 ===
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In 2009, Gazelle won the Dutch Bike of the Year with the Chamonix Innergy electric bike. This was the first time in the competition's history that an electric bike had won the prestigious award.
In 2009, Gazelle won the Dutch Bike of the Year with the Chamonix Innergy electric bike. This was the first time in the competition's history that an electric bike had won the prestigious award.


=== 2010-Now ===
=== 2010-present ===
In 2010, Gazelle was voted the most trusted bicycle brand in the [[Readers Digest]] annual brand survey in Europe.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tweewieler.nl/nieuws/2003/gazelle-ook-in-2010-betrouwbaarste-fietsmerk-.html |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2010-05-10 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100507211916/http://www.tweewieler.nl/nieuws/2003/gazelle-ook-in-2010-betrouwbaarste-fietsmerk-.html |archivedate=2010-05-07 }}</ref>
In 2010, Gazelle was voted the most trusted bicycle brand in the [[Reader's Digest]] annual brand survey in Europe.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tweewieler.nl/nieuws/2003/gazelle-ook-in-2010-betrouwbaarste-fietsmerk-.html |title=Tweewieler - Nieuws: Gazelle ook in 2010 betrouwbaarste fietsmerk |accessdate=2010-05-10 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100507211916/http://www.tweewieler.nl/nieuws/2003/gazelle-ook-in-2010-betrouwbaarste-fietsmerk-.html |archivedate=2010-05-07 }}</ref>


In 2011 Gazelle was acquired by [[Pon Holdings]], co-owner of [[Cervélo]] bikes<ref>{{cite news |title= Cervélo's White: We can grow by delivering |url= http://www.bicycleretailer.com/news/newsDetail/6502.html |author= Steve Frothingham |publisher= Bicycle Retailer and Industry News |date= February 19, 2012 |accessdate= February 25, 2012}}</ref> and importer of [[Volkswagen]] in the Netherlands.
In 2011 Gazelle was acquired by [[Pon Holdings]], co-owner of [[Cervélo]] bikes,<ref>{{cite news |title= Cervélo's White: We can grow by delivering |url= http://www.bicycleretailer.com/news/newsDetail/6502.html |author= Steve Frothingham |publisher= Bicycle Retailer and Industry News |date= February 19, 2012 |accessdate= February 25, 2012}}</ref> and importer of [[Volkswagen]] in the Netherlands.


==See also==
==See also==

Latest revision as of 06:58, 18 May 2023

Royal Dutch Gazelle
Company typePrivate
IndustryBicycles
Founded1892
HeadquartersDieren, Netherlands
ProductsBicycles and Accessories
Number of employees
550
Websitehttps://www.gazelle.nl

Royal Dutch Gazelle is the largest[1] and most famous[2] bicycle manufacturer in the Netherlands. Gazelle employs 550 workers at its factory in Dieren, Netherlands, producing 300,000 bicycles a year. Total production has passed 13 million.

History

[edit]
Classic contemporary gents's model
A vintage 1954 Ladies Gazelle

1892-1919

[edit]

The company was founded 1892 by Willem Kölling and Rudolf Arentsen.[3] Initially they sold bicycles imported from England. They started their own production using the Gazelle name in 1902.

1920-1949

[edit]

During the period from the 1920s to the 1940s, Gazelle had success exporting bicycles to the East Indies. Many Gazelle bicycles survive throughout Indonesia even today and are a highly sought after Dutch collectors item. During this period, Gazelle was to use the Piet Pelle cartoon character throughout many advertising campaigns. This video from 1925 shows the Gazelle factory and production techniques.

Developments include a collapsible delivery bicycle in 1930, and a tandem bicycle introduced in 1935. An electric bicycle was produced in 1937 together with Philips.

1950-1979

[edit]

In 1954 Gazelle became a public company and built its millionth bicycle. In 1959, Gazelle patented the first 3-speed grip shift gear system.

Gazelle was the first Dutch bicycle manufacturer to introduce the "Kwikstep" folding bicycle in 1964. The front-hub drum brake was developed in 1968 and is still in production today.

In the mid-1960s, Gazelle built a "Special Racing Division" workshop at their factory in Dieren. In this workshop, race frames were handbuilt by skilled craftsmen. At the height of their commercial success (around 1980–1985) about 35 people were employed. Gazelle had success with the steel framed "Champion Mondial" bicycles and sponsored the now infamous TVMracing team. The team folded in 2000 because of a doping scandal.

1980-2009

[edit]

The centenary in 1992 coincided with the eighth millionth bicycle produced. Princess Margriet classified the company "Royal" Gazelle in honor of the anniversary. From then on one million bicycles were produced every three to four years.

In 2009, Gazelle won the Dutch Bike of the Year with the Chamonix Innergy electric bike. This was the first time in the competition's history that an electric bike had won the prestigious award.

2010-present

[edit]

In 2010, Gazelle was voted the most trusted bicycle brand in the Reader's Digest annual brand survey in Europe.[4]

In 2011 Gazelle was acquired by Pon Holdings, co-owner of Cervélo bikes,[5] and importer of Volkswagen in the Netherlands.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ (in Dutch) "Gazelle neemt koppositie over," Archived 2011-05-09 at the Wayback Machine Tweewieler.nl (28-10-2008).
  2. ^ "Tweewieler.nl - Home". Archived from the original on 2013-02-22. Retrieved 2009-04-27.
  3. ^ "Gazelle".
  4. ^ "Tweewieler - Nieuws: Gazelle ook in 2010 betrouwbaarste fietsmerk". Archived from the original on 2010-05-07. Retrieved 2010-05-10.
  5. ^ Steve Frothingham (February 19, 2012). "Cervélo's White: We can grow by delivering". Bicycle Retailer and Industry News. Retrieved February 25, 2012.
[edit]