The TVS-BMW alliance is currently one of the most talked about automotive partnerships not only in India, but globally as well. While TVS will gain access to BMW Motorrad’s state-of-the-art technology and engineering expertise, BMW will benefit from TVS Motor Company’s insight on the Indian market and the expertise to manufacture small capacity motorcycles. With both the companies optimistic about working in an alliance; TVS confirmed that the joint venture’s first product will be launched in the second half of 2015.
Without divulging too many details of the new bike, TVS chairman Venu Srinivasan stated that the work on the upcoming motorcycle in under progress. TVS and BMW Motorrad entered into a partnership in 2013 to develop and manufacture motorcycles under the 500cc segment in India that will be marketed across the globe. The jointly developed and manufactured products in India will be sold independently by TVS and BMW in their respective networks.
TVS has invested a sum of Rs. 142 crores on the project in India, while the development and test cost of the motorcycles would be borne by BMW. Speculations are rife that the first TVS-BMW motorcycle to roll out will be a 300cc naked street-fighter bike and will be competing in the hotly contested quarter-litre segment against the Kawasaki Ninja 300, Honda CBR300R and the upcoming Mahindra Mojo 300.
TVS on the other hand is currently executing its strategy to launch a new product every quarter and has the Scooty Zest, Victor commuter motorcycle and the new Apache lined up for launch in this calendar year. The company is also working to improve its market share from the current 12 percent to 14.5 percent by the end of this fiscal from its existing portfolio of products. While details are still very scarce at the moment, we will be keenly following this partnership.
