🏭 Origins & Early Growth
- Established in 1951–52 by the Pahwa brothers (including Sohan Lal and Hansraj) in Ludhiana, initially making bicycle saddles and brakes; full bicycle production followed shortly after
- The first Avon bicycle was priced at about ₹100, making it accessible to India’s masses—earning its nickname as the “savari of the common man”
🧱 Backward Integration & Growth
- Avon was the first in the world to achieve full backward integration—producing components like steel tubes, strips, and hot‑rolled steel in‑house
- By the 1970s, Avon earned ISI certification and solidified its position as one of India’s top bicycle manufacturers
📊 Scale & Reach
- Annual production runs at around 2.5 million cycles per year, with a capacity of over 10,000 cycles daily through multiple manufacturing plants in Ludhiana and Hajipur
- Holds an estimated 15% market share in India and is among the top three players in the domestic bicycle market
🌍 From India to the World
- Export operations began as early as 1965 (to Afghanistan and Iran), and today Avon exports components and SKD/CKD bicycles to over 50 countries across Africa, Europe, Middle East, Saarc, and North America
- Achieved a 165% export growth in FY23–24, exporting around 150,000 SKD bikes and 200,000 Avon-branded bicycles globally .
⚡ Innovation & New Segments
- Introduced India’s first e-bike in 2006, offering 40 km range, speeds up to 23 km/h, and priced around ₹15,000
- Later launched Cyclelec and Cyclux premium mass and e-cycle segments, featuring Li‑ion batteries, IP‑67 water resistance, and modern design.
🤝 Leadership & Legacy
- Led by Onkar Singh Pahwa, Chairman and Managing Director since 2002, recently honored with the Padma Shri in 2025 for services to trade and industry
- Leadership also includes Rishi Pahwa (Jt. MD, overseeing production and marketing) and Mandeep Pahwa (Executive Director, Sales and Finance)
- Founder Sohan Lal Pahwa’s story is chronicled in “The Balance of Two Wheels”, highlighting his challenges post‑Partition and the subsequent rise of Avon Cycles
📌 Summary of Milestones
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1951–52 | Founded by Pahwa brothers in Ludhiana |
| 1965 | Began exports (Afghanistan, Iran) |
| 1970s | Achieved ISI Certification & component integration |
| 2006 | Launched India’s first e‑bike |
| ~2020–21 | ₹709 Cr revenue, ~15% domestic market share |
| FY23–24 | Export growth +165%, over 350,000 global shipments |
💡 Sustainability & Philanthropy
- Invested in renewable energy—wind and solar projects totalling over 45 MW across several Indian states
- Through the Kaushalya Devi Pahwa Trust, the company runs hospitals providing free healthcare and supports education, women’s welfare, and livestock causes in Ludhiana
🌱 Avon in Public Imagination
- Celebrated in the short film “Desh Ki Ride”, showcasing Avon’s role in connecting communities and bringing health, unity, and sustainability to 144 cities in 18 states across India
🎖️ Why Avon Cycles Stands Out
Strong exports and global OEM presence, especially in Europe and Africa.
Legacy spanning over 70 years of affordable mobility.
Independent, backward‑integrated manufacturing, with in‑house steel production.
Steady innovation—from e‑bikes to premium cycle segments.
Trusted brand with a commitment to sustainability, ethics, and community development.
