The Year That Was...

Birthday is celebration time for all, but at "Ambassador" the occasion of bringing out this 45th Annual Issue provides an exhilarating experience in terms of a sense of satisfaction to be able to serve its purpose of promoting and projecting the cause of Bicycle Industry to the best of our ability — as best in the business could ever aspire.

The year left behind witnessed the imposition of 4% Ad valorem Excise Duty on bicycle and its components where duty levied on components was later withdrawn. Nevertheless, efforts are on to get bicycle tyres & tubes deleted from the excise list. Also Cold Rolled/Hot Rolled steel prices were jacked up twice during the last fiscal by steel manufacturers directly impacting the manufacturing of bicycle and its parts.

Vinay Khurana

Editor

The period also witnessed the "SAARC Cycle Race" sponsored by the All India Cycle Manufacturers Association (AICMA) in Delhi which drew large crowds and won accolades from every quarter. This is worth emulating throughout the country to spread awareness among the public about the positive effects of cycling in terms of relaxation, exercise, thrill as well as the very aspect of preserving ecology.

The year also experienced a quantum jump in the export earnings of the country to the tune of Rs 9,500 million for the year ended 31st March, 2002 contributed by the Manufacturers and Exporters of Bicycles and its components from India.

Not to be left behind in the competition and to improve and maintain the market share, almost all manufacturers introduced trendy, attractive and multi-functional models during the year under review. It was special for Atlas and Avon being their Golden Jubilee years and indulged in publicity and marketing campaign in gay abandon by introducing various schemes.

Also it was Bhogal’s turn to launch non-conventional products like Kik–cycle and Karry [attachment for carrying loads] which were well received in the market.

In its 15th AGM the All India Cycle Manufacturers Association elected Mr O. S. Pahwa and Mr A. Vellayan as President and Vice-President respectively of the august Apex Body.

Mr O.P. Munjal, Co-Chairman of Hero Cycles, was bestowed with coveted "Businessman of the Year" award at Kolkata.

Elsewhere in this Annual 2002 Issue you will find scintillating, lucid and thought provoking articles from leading luminaries in the Bicycle Industry like Mr O.P. Munjal, Mr J. D. Kapur, Mr Onkar Singh Pahwa, Mr Sanjeev Pahwa, Dr. D. Kebschull and Mr R.D. Sharma which will indeed be a treat to the decerning reader.

We take this opportunity to rededicate ‘INDIAN BICYCLE AMBASSADOR’s philosophy to uphold the values, vision and goals so far steadfastly adhered to in the service of the Indian Bicycle Industry.