Merida Industry Co., one of Taiwan's leading bicycle manufacturers, reports that it expects its newly completed magnesium alloy bicycles to bring the company approximately NT$200 million (US$6.17 million) in revenue this year.

"We spent two years developing this new technology," said Wiliam Jeng, assistant marketing manager for the company, in which time the company focused on improving welding and anti-rust processes.

"Some European magazine reports and the trial sales of the bikes have shown positive results so far," said Jeng. Merida Industry is currently in the midst of mass-producing the magnesium alloy bicycles.

Jeng further noted that compared with aluminum alloy, magnesium alloy has several additional beneficial features, including lighter weight and better shock absorbance, which makes for a smoother, more comfortable ride. "Magnesium alloy is also an environmentally friendly material that can be recycled," Jeng said, adding that "mass production of magnesium alloy also greatly reduces production costs."