‘Pandemic to benefit bicycle industry’

Industry & Unlock 1.0

Minna Zutshi

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, June 13

The pandemic has hit businesses and in the ensuing economic downturn the businesses are trying hard to cope with the changed scenario. However, reflecting a positive sentiment, Vishal Mahindru, who is Director (Sales and Marketing) of the Vishal Cycles Pvt Ltd, believes that the rising concern for environmental issues augurs well for the bicycle industry. The in-house manufacturing of bicycle and its parts is the company's USP, he says. "The Vishal Cycles Pvt Ltd started from manufacturing one bicycle part to eventually making a full bicycle with both standard and MTB bike range for all age groups. Our main USP is that we manufacture nearly 80 per cent of bicycle parts in-house, right from handle to rim to mudguard and free wheel chaincover," says Mahindru. .

How has the pandemic affected bicycle industry?

Covid-19 has hit the industry mainly from the sale point of view as April, May, June are considered the best months with regards to sales. The pandemic has disturbed the whole supply chain as major capital is invested in the market.

The slogan of ‘Vocal for local’ raised by PM Modi gives domestic manufacturers an advantage. Consumers would prefer domestic products which will help beat Chinese competition. We are manufacturing standard bicycles and MTB bikes for all age groups and adding gear bikes in this financial year. Besides, we are doing our R&D on developing e-bikes also. — Vishal Mahindru, director, Sales and Marketing. Vishal Cycles Pvt Ltd

What are the main problems that the industry is facing?

Shortage of labour has worsened the situation. The whole supply chain has been disturbed due to the lockdown. However, on demand side there is an upward trend.

How is bicycle industry handling its problems?

The pandemic has given the bicycle industry an advantage. There are concerns about air pollution. With environment-related changes seen during the lockdown, the people and the government are now becoming aware about the health of Mother Earth. This gives bicycle a 'prosperous future' as it does not pollute the environment.

Has the industry failed to meet the 'Dragon challenge'?

The slogan raised by PM Narendra Modi ‘Vocal for Local’ gives Indian manufacturers an advantage. Consumers would prefer domestic products which will help beat Chinese competition. We are manufacturing standard bicycles and MTB bikes for all age groups and adding gear bikes in this financial year. Besides, we are doing our R&D on developing e-bikes also..

Any major issue right now?

Majority of the workers are migrant labourers. So that is an issue right now. But once they spend some time back home, they will be back. So, we have to take this in our stride and work with available resources.

What is your strategy during Unlock 1.0?

Our strategy is simple: to work to the best of our abilities and cater to the market demand all over India and create awareness about encouraging cycling, especially among the youth

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