Hero Cycles partners Rajastan Government to promote Clean Air, Better Health, contributes 100 cycles and propagates GST Status for Bicycles

Good Health, Clean Air and Affordable Bicycles the perfect combination for
Economic Progress


Jaipur, February 23 2017: In its drive to promote healthy living and a better environemt Hero Cycles collaborated with the government of Rajastan and distributed 50 women’s and 50 men’sroadster bicycles. This was to support a rally that saw the 100 + strong team ride from Bikaner to Jodhpur, a distance of about 250 km. The rally was flagged off Shri Arjun Meghwal, Minister of State for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Government of India.

Hero Cycles partners Rajastan Government  to promote Clean Air, Better Health, contributes 100 cycles and propagates GST Status for Bicycles


In his address to the gathering, Shri Arjun Meghwal said: “It is commendable that so many people have undertaken this historic ride to prove to the state of Rajasthan and the country that the bicycle is truly the best form of transport. It is the cleanest-energy vehicle that helps reduce our per capita energy consumption and vehicular emissions. In a country that is witnessing an economic transformation cycles plays an integral part to the assist millions in contributing to the overall productivity of one of the largest work forces in the world. We are grateful for ‘Hero Cycles’ participation and their involvement in advocating for cleaner air and better health. We will definitely look into their request for putting the lowest GST slab of 5% on basic bicycles, to ensure maximum people empowered to buy a bicycle.
Today the country faces a huge issue of sustainability and employment, in addition to added disease burden of India and compounded with declining urban penetration of cycles due to unsupportive cycling infrastructure and stagnating rural demand due to the rising prices has had a major slowing down impact. The bicycle industry has been working relentlessly to promote usage of cycles as an eco-friendly, convenient transportation system and also ensuring mobility to millions of poorest poor thereby allowing them a means to livelihood and a better life.
“We are delighted that the government has shown through this rally its commitment to the value of sustainable, active transport. Bicycles rid the environment of particulate pollution and aid in decongestion of our cities. Riding a bicycle brings down carbon footprints dramatically and can offer savings worth several lakh crores per annum by saving on fuel, improving health and incrasing productivity. We urge the government to put in place the lowest GST of 5% on bicycles, to bring down cost and encourage more and more people to take to their use. This will not only increase demand, but also improve tax collection,” said Shri Pankaj Munjal, CMD, Hero Cycles.
India’s bicycle ownership stands at 11 crores, with majority of these being used by people in the lower income groups for commuting. In addition, the entire industry employs a 1 million workforce. The industry, with Hero Cycles is actively taking the lead and is determined to make the humble bicycle a tool for creating a cleaner environment, productive and healthy work force and empower the girl child to be independent and self reliant.

About Hero Cycles:

Incorporated in 1956, Hero Cycles Limited is the largest cycle manufacturer by volume in the world. The company has a manufacturing capacity of 7.5 million bicycles per year, with its manufacturing units in Ludhiana (Punjab), Bihta (Bihar) & Ghaziabad (UP). Hero Cycles has been aggressively driving growth by clocking a robust growth in the Indian market. The company has a highly integrated plant in Ludhiana which produces 19,000 cycles every day. It also manufactures automotive rims and various other precision-engineered auto components. The company produced 5.5 million bicycles in FY14.

The Hero Motors Group includes cycle giant, Hero Cycles, auto parts manufacturing companies, Hero Motors Ltd, ZF Hero Chassis Systems Pvt. Ltd, Munjal Kiriu Industries pvt. Ltd, hospitality arm Munjal Hospitality, and luxury home décor products company, Oma Livings.

Hero Cycles is the leader in both the standard and specialist bicycle segments in India. The company is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure and the most modern machinery. The Company also entered the premium bicycle segment with the launch of its new brand, UT Edge, in February 2012. A nation-wide distribution network with over 3000 dealers and the favourable location of its plants near its vendors, supports its operations, and facilitates the competitive pricing of its bicycles.
Hero Cycles also exports to various countries in the Middle East, Africa, Asia.

A new brand Hero Sprint pro is fresh launch of Hero Cycles.The brand production will occur in Hero Cycles most recent acquisition, BSH’s plant in Sri Lanka Colombo. Hero Cycles made its third major acquisition within six months and has acquired majority stake in one of Sri Lanka’s leading bicycle manufacturers BSH Ventures, strengthening the company’s manufacturing presence in the Indian subcontinent.