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Sohrab Cycles is a Pakistani bicycle and motorcycle manufacturer based in Lahore, Pakistan. They were the first domestic producer of bicycles in Pakistan.
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Company structure and history
In 1952, Pakistan had a foreign exchange crisis which severely restricted imports. A group of traders in Lahore saw an opportunity to domestically produce and sell bicycles. Consequently, they founded Sohrab Cycles for these purposes. The company was organized on a co-operative basis. It initially had 22 members and produced 5 bicycles a day. It now has 228 members and produces approximately 2000 bicycles a day.
Sohrab continues to maintain its social principles with a subsidised workers’ canteen and company hospital. It also pays for five of its workers to attend the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca each year.
Products
Sohrab initially manufactured a single-speed roadster bicycle. This had a lugged steel frame and rod-brakes. This bicycle is still in production more than 50 years later. More modern MTB and BMX style bicycles were added to the range in the 1990s. Sohrab have also diversified into producing cargo-tricycles, gymnasium equipment, push-chairs and wheelchairs. The latter are sold at cost price.
In 1994, Sohrab entered the motorcycle market with the JS70. A larger engined version of this was later used as the basis for an auto-rickshaw.
Markets
Sohrab’s primary market is in Pakistan. Major export markets have also been established in Afghanistan and Bangladesh. Sohrab-produced wheelchairs are also distributed in Madagascar through a French rotary club.