TVS Motors to launch five new two wheelers in India Link to News Section
Indian two and three wheeler maker TVS Motors Limited, plans to launch five new two wheelers by the end of December 2014. Of the five new products, three products have been named. An upgraded version of the TVS Scooty Pep scooterette, a larger version of the TVS Wego automatic scooter aimed at male buyers, and an upgraded Star City commuter motorcycle are the three launches that TVS Motors has announced publicly. Note: Images in this report have been used for illustrative purposes.
Of these products, the larger version of the TVS Wego has already been spotted doing the testing rounds. In light of that, the new automatic scooter based on the Wego platform could be the first new launch. While the two other products comprising of the five new models have not been named, we'll take educated guesses. TVS Motors in the past, had announced that it planned to resurrect the highly-successful Victor badge on a commuter motorcycle. So, this could be one element of the missing jigsaw.
The other product could be the TVS Qube hybrid scooter that the Hosur based two wheeler major had showcased at the 2012 Indian Auto Expo. Back then, TVS Motors had announced that the TVS Qube would be test launched in the Indian to gauge customer feedback by the end of 2012. Six more months have elapsed from the first time line and there are no signs yet, of the Qube being launched in India.
Among other developments, TVS Motors has partnered with German motorcycle major BMW Motorrad, to develop and manufacture high performance sportsbikes in the sub-500cc space. According to the TimesOfIndia, TVS Motors will build these high performance sportsbikes from its Chennai factory with design and engineering inputs from BMW Motorrad. Both TVS and BMW Motorrad are expected to sell these motorcycles under their respective brand names.
Also, these motorcycles will be sold under independent channels by both brands. BMW Motorrad seems to be focusing on the low cost-high quality manufacturing expertise of TVS Motors, key aspects that will give the German motorcycle maker the flexibility to price its products aggressively in international markets. TVS Motors, in turn will get access to high performance motorcycle technology from BMW Motorrad.
This arrangement is similar to what Bajaj Auto and KTM have. Unlike Bajaj Auto, which has a near 50% stake in KTM, TVS Motors does not hold any stake in BMW Motorrad. As things stand today, TVS Motors and BMW Motorrad are in a "co-operation agreement" to develop and manufacture high performance sub-500cc motorcycles. The first crop of motorcycles jointly developed by TVS and BMW Motorrad are expected to hit markets in the next couple of years.
Last edited by JayPrashanth : 22nd July 2013 at 15:15.
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