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-   -   TVS in talks with Norton for an acquisition. EDIT: Confirmed! (https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/motorbikes/221209-tvs-talks-norton-acquisition-edit-confirmed-3.html)

Yes I would think so too, strangely, you would think they would clarify that since it’s been reported earlier and the Chinese OEM claims that their deal is unaffected. Might be reading too much into it, was a very short press release after all. I am sure we will get a clearer picture once the lockdown is lifted. Maybe a case of getting all their ducks in a row by then.

I was just wondering aloud since the amount involved is loose change for tvs, especially when you consider that they potentially get access to ready-built platforms and models under development which include a smaller capacity parallel twin. I would estimate a grounds up development of the size and quality that RE did for the twins, would cost around 1000 crores if not more(remember reading this figure somewhere, will try and find a link),especially for a bike maker who have no prior experience beyond 300cc singles.

Cost-wise, and brand recognition wise, it’s easy to understand what motivated tvs. Only potential spanner in the works is the engine platform sale as I see it. Setting up a manufacturing facility in 6 months, if needed, should not be an issue.

Since the TVS gets the IP and the Brands, the Chinese guys may have to license the Brand name from TVS, wouldn't they. Unless the change the name to something else

Just a thought

Best Regards & Ride Safe

Ram

They have indicated to MCN that they plan to build new bikes around the engine, and that design will be done in Italy, with a possible concept coming by next year. I don’t think they plan to license the brand, and neither will tvs be willing I feel

What Mr Nair is trying to say is, now the Chinese will be forced to ask TVS to license the brand name to them to allow manufacture and sale under the Norton brand, which TVS has every right to say No to, and they will say NO.

I feel this is a great move by TVS as they have created a new opportunity to tap an entirely new segment which Royal Enfield is currently ruling without much competition. From a brand perspective, Norton being an iconic British company is going to help them further.

Eicher Motors effectively invested in RE and is making huge profits for them currently, Bajaj did the same with KTM which was also a great move. I think it is too soon to know if Mahindra got it right with the JAWA launch.

The TVS Norton collaboration will hopefully be able to launch and sell affordable motorcycles that can compete with RE and JAWA, I doubt if this will be possible extensively by the TVS BMW collaboration. Indian companies like Hero, Bajaj and TVS always want volumes.

Chinese brands bought the engine rights, not the brand license right?

Jinlang bought the rights to the 961 engine, and Zongshen had bought the rights to use the 650cc motor and Chinese sales of the Atlas itself. They're planning their own ADV model and sport tourer for 2021.

I sincerely hope they build a new line of products with this acquisition. Any chance they will be VFM bikes ?:D

I also hope they don't go about plonking their 310 cc engine to use existing engines. Norton chassis and TVS engine stupid:

IMHO it's a great move by TVS. I read about the troubles faces by Norton in another post and it is a risk no matter how you look at it.

But 16 million GBP is a decent price to own an iconic brand. Also it feels good that so many British corporations are owned by Indians now, kind of a weird karma if you will.

Norton has good brand value I believe and TVS can surely use it for its tourer, cruiser, cafe racer and retro themed motorcycles.

It's a baller move from TVS and I hope they can make something great out of it. Can't wait to see what they come up with now. Fingers crossed.

Couple of points, only one of which is serious stupid:
1) who has the rights to the Vincent name I wonder? Is there someone in Hero MotoCorp trawling through legal documents to find that out? Honestly Norton is probably the greatest motorcycle brandname to buy with huge recognition all over the world - but Vincent is revered although much more 'remote'.

2) it requires INCREDIBLE effort to run an operation offshore - buying a company is just the 1%. Having seen TVS at fairly close quarters, they will need a huge amount of agility and the ability to take quick decisive actions - and that isn't really in their current skill sets.

I look forward to the ride, I hope it isn't a rough one and that TVS makes a success out of this.

The failing effort by Mahindra to resurrect the Jawa brand name should serve as a blueprint to TVS on what not to do.
Dispite being cheesy, the Chinese seem to have had much more success in India with the MG logo.

Buying the logo is indeed the easiest step of a long journey.
I do hope TVS is successful.

Isn't there any single brand in the world that the Chinese don't have their hands on?.

Frankly , i don't think anyone remembers Norton in india. Sure, enthusiasts know the brand but its nostalgia evoking power is not the same as lamby or yezdi/jawa.

The difference is TVS and Mahindra and not Jawa and Norton. TVS are way better in 2 wheeler segment in terms of VFM products and service than Mahindra.

Exactly. I believe TVS is much better than Bajaj when it comes to product quality.

But they lack behind in swift moves to capture the market and ASS.

I hope they can do it, use the Norton brand to bring a fabulous VFM product in India.

Also,:OT
Can anyone tell me what happened to Bajaj/Triumph collaboration?

I love Triumphs, my favorites being the speed twin and the bobber. But they're quite expensive as of now, at least for me. :Frustrati

The first Bajaj-Triumph bikes will be available from 2022 with prices starting at less than Rs 2 lakh for a 200 cc motorcycle.

They are co-developing 200 - 750cc bikes for Indian and international markets. Will be launched sometime in 2022 and the entry-level motorcycles into the range will carry a price tag of around 2 lakhs.

Cool. Good to know that. Though I'm concerned about Bajaj's low quality creeping in the new products like the NS/AS200 and Dominar. I hope I'm wrong.

Let's wait for Norton products.