Mr Pankaj Munjal, Co-Chairman & MD of Hero Cycle, announces e-commerce initiative by the company; entire range of Hero Cycles to be made available through online
New Delhi, 30th June 2015: Hero Cycles, world’s largest bicycle manufacturer, today announced Bollywood sensation Arjun Kapoor as its brand ambassador. Hero Cycles which has been on an expansion drive, unveiled its latest brand ambassador at a mega event in the National Capital.
The cycle company also launched India’s first limited edition ‘Celebrity’ sports cycle – named after Arjun Kapoor, labeled ‘AK edition’, at the event. Welcoming Arjun Kapoor as brand ambassador Mr Pankaj Munjal, Co-Chairman and MD, Hero Cycles said, “It has been a monumental year for Hero Cycles for both brand and business initiatives. We are ecstatic that youth icon Arjun Kapoor is now associated with us and will represent our brand and its ethos in the public and media. His resilience to stay fit despite all odds makes him an extremely popular among young generation and the transformation of him as a health and fitness conscious person has made him a great role model. We will soon be coming out with our first TV commercial with Arjun Kapoor which will be one of our major initiatives in recent times.”
Arjun Kapoor also shared his excitement with the attending media. Speaking about the association he said, “I am extremely proud of this association with the world’s largest cycle brand. Hero Cycles has shown the world that Indian made products can compete with the best in the world. I am happy to be face of the brand because cycling resonates within me like millions of Indians. Hero Cycles has been part of my life since my childhood just like so many other children in India. I feel cycles are not just a means of transport, but can be one of the best ways to keep fit. I strongly feel cycling should also be taken up by all of us as environment conscious citizens. I am sure that even more and more people will take up cycling in days to come.”
Only 3000 units of ‘AK edition’ Hero Sprit RX-1 sports cycles would be available for fans across the country. These cycles will be adorned with Arjun Kapoor’s signature and will have exclusive new range of colours to choose from. These cycles would be available through online and select Hero Cycles retail stores across India.
Mr Pankaj Munjal and Arjun Kapoor also unveiled Hero Cycle’s entry into e-commerce space. The company has tied up Sports365.in, one of India’s leading fitness, recreation and sports-related e-commerce portals, sell its entire range of cycles online. This will further expand Hero Cycles’ geographical reach and thereby making it more convenient for buyers. Speaking on the initiative, Mr Munjal said, “We have been closely watching the evolution of our consumers’ behavioral pattern. We decided to make our entire range of cycles available online to make it easier and more convenient for our buyers to pick, compare and choose from our wide range offerings. These cycles will be home delivered to our customers through our existing channels of distribution.”
Through this tie-up Hero Cycles will now be available on leading e-commerce platforms like Flipkart, Snapdeal, Amazon, Paytm, HealthKart, etc.
“We see online with a potential to become one of our major sales channels, not only giving us access to the urban consumers but also allowing deeper penetration in the rural markets” Mr Munjal added.
Sports365.in is India’s largest online platform providing a wide choice of equipment, apparel, accessories and nutritional products. The company is a collaborative effort by India’s best known sporting icons, industry experts and experienced professionals.
About Hero Cycles Limited
Incorporated in 1956, Hero Cycles Limited is the largest cycle manufacturer in the world. The company has a manufacturing capacity of 7.5 million bicycles per year, with its unit in Ludhiana (Punjab), Bihar & Ghaziabad. The company has highly integrated plant in Ludhiana which produces 19,000 cycles every day. It also manufactures automotive rims and various other auto components. The company produced 5.5 million bicycles in FY14 and sales of Rs 2,000 cr.
Hero Cycles is a leader in both the standard and special bicycle segments in India, with an overall market share of about 35%. 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, Urban Trail, in February 2012. A nation-wide distribution network with over 2,200 dealers and the favorable location of its plants near vendors support its operations and facilitate competitive pricing of its bicycles.
Hero Cycles also exports to various countries in Middle East, Africa, Asia and Europe.