17 Aug DAHON Founder Dr David Hon Turns 80
Folding bike innovator celebrates milestone birthday
August 10th 2020, Shenzhen, China – Friends and colleagues gathered safely at the Marriott Courtyard, Shenzhen, this past Sunday August 9th in honour of Dr David Hon’s 80th birthday. The bicycle industry veteran marks half a lifetime as a champion of green mobility.
Hon is best known as the inventor and founder of DAHON folding bikes, having introduced his revolutionary design in the early 80s, and establishing the company in 1982. With a folding frame that was lighter, more user friendly and compact than other bikes on the market at the time, DAHON has remained a global leader ever since, scooping a Guinness World Record for world’s largest manufacturer of folding bikes at the turn of the millennium.
The bicycle industry, in fact, was Hon’s second successful career move. He did not begin to manufacture and market his folding bikes until his 40s. Prior to that he had been a published laser physicist at Hughes Laboratories, but decided to pursue his passion for invention when the environmental effects of fossil fuels became too much to bear.
In honor of this special birthday, more than 140 guests joined an evening of dinner, entertainment and speeches. Hon looked back on some highlights of his life and career, and even showed off some of his dancing and harmonica skills! Attendees left notes on a large signature wall to mark the occasion, there was of course a large cake, and video messages from those around the world who could not attend in person.
Hans Retzlaff of long-time German DAHON distributor ZEG sent his well wishes: “It’s a special day today, it’s your birthday, and you will turn a young age. I hope you will have more years of good health and many ideas. All the success I wish to you of course!”
Hon noted that at the time of his invention, air pollution was not a hot topic, and bicycles were not taken seriously as a solution to the many problems of our modern, urban lifestyle. Through ups and downs, and tireless dedication, it is gratifying to see how far we have come. He confirmed that DAHON expects growth to go from strength to strength. As well as continuing to sell their folding bikes globally, the brand has recently expanded into offering licenced parts, allowing others to benefit from award-winning folding technology.
ABOUT DAHON:
In 1982, DAHON ignited the folding bicycle revolution with the introduction of the DAHON Convertible, the forefather of most modern-day folding bicycles. Today, DAHON is recognized as a world leader. Spearheaded by the guiding principles of innovation, reinvention and technological leadership, DAHON is committed to creating quality product, a unique riding experience and green mobility solutions for people leading active, environmentally friendly lifestyles. Headquartered in Illinois, DAHON’s offices, factories, cooperating assembly plants and distributing partner network reaches around the world. For more information regarding DAHON’s products, please visit dahon.com.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/dahonfoldingbicycles
Twitter/Instagram: @dahonbikes
