Sohrab Cycles
 2012 Sohrab Roadster | |
Native name | Urdu: سُہراب |
|---|---|
Romanized name | Sohrāb |
| Company type | Private |
| Industry | Bicycle manufacturing |
| Founded | 1952 |
| Headquarters | , |
Area served |
|
| Owner | Pakistan Cycle Industrial Co-Operative Society Limited |
| Website | sohrab-cycles |
Sohrab (Urdu: سُہراب) was a Pakistani bicycle manufacturer based in Lahore.[1][2][3]
History
[edit]Sohrab began in 1952 with a core of traders in Lahore, following a foreign exchange crisis which severely restricted imports in Pakistan. The traders saw an opportunity to domestically produce and sell bicycles, and consequently founded Sohrab on 8 September 1953 under Section 9 of the Co-operative Societies Act II of 1912. It initially had 22 members and produced 5 bicycles a day.[2]
Structure
[edit]Sohrab was setup keeping its workers in mind. All controlling powers of the company laid with the general body, who were elected into power every 3 years. Since its inception, elections were held on a regular basis. Sohrab provided subsidized workers canteen and company hospital. It also paid for five of its workers to attend the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca each year.[2]
Products
[edit]Sohrab initially manufactured a single-speed roadster bicycle. This had a lugged steel frame and rod-brakes. More modern MTB and BMX style bicycles were added to the range in the 1990s.[4] Sohrab also diversified into producing cargo-tricycles, gymnasium equipment, push-chairs and wheelchairs.[2] In 1994, Sohrab entered the motorcycle market with the JS70. A larger version of this was later used as the basis for an auto-rickshaw.[4]
Sohrab's primary market was in mainly remote and rural population areas of Pakistan.[1][5] It also exported cycles to Afghanistan and Bangladesh and wheelchairs to Madagascar through a French rotary club.[6]
References
[edit]- ^ a b Bicycle pedals down memory lane in Pakistan The Nation (newspaper), Published 20 April 2011, Retrieved 18 December 2018
- ^ a b c d "PAKISTAN CYCLE INDUSTRIAL CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY LTD". Sohrab Cycles. Retrieved 18 December 2018.
- ^ Sohrab Cycle in Lahore GoogleBooks website, Retrieved 18 December 2018
- ^ a b "News & Events". Sohrab Cycles. Retrieved 18 December 2018.
- ^ Nausheen Ishtiaq Jivani (24 January 2011). "Critical mass: Streets of Karachi". Dawn. Retrieved 18 December 2018.
- ^ "Exports". Sohrab Cycles. Retrieved 18 December 2018.
External links
[edit]| Domestic manufacturers | |
|---|---|
| Foreign companies with operations | |
| Defunct manufacturers | |
| Components & parts | |
| Related topics | |
- Cycle manufacturers
- Cycling in Pakistan
- Manufacturing companies of Pakistan
- Motorcycle manufacturers of Pakistan
- Manufacturing companies based in Lahore
- Cooperatives in Pakistan
- Vehicle manufacturing companies established in 1952
- Pakistani brands
- Pakistani companies established in 1952
- Privately held companies of Pakistan