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TVS Motor Company

Norton Motorcycles bermula pada tahun 1898 dan telah melalui segala situasi di dalam sejarahnya termasuklah inovasi, kejayaan perlumbaan dan jualan, penurunan, pengambilalihan dan kebangkitan semula.

Terdapat tiga episod kebangkitan, pertama di bawah syarikat pelaburan Amerika Utara, diikuti oleh Stuart Garner, dan akhirnya pada masa ini oleh TVS Motor Company yang berpangkalan di India bermula 2020.

TVS Motor mempunyai rancangan besar untuk jenama legenda itu dan tidak sabar untuk mengembangkannya secara global.

Daripada Siaran Media

Norton Motorcycles, sebahagian daripada Syarikat Motor TVS, mengumumkan rancangan pelaburan dan pertumbuhannya untuk meletakkan syarikat itu di tempat yang ideal untuk pengembangan antarabangsa. Ketika di Goodwood Festival of Speed, ahli pasukan kepimpinan kanan Norton – Sudarshan Venu, Dr Robert Hentschel dan Richard Arnold – berkongsi visi jenama itu dan membincangkan bagaimana Norton kini berada pada kedudukan yang sempurna untuk berkembang secara global.

Sudarshan Venu, Pengarah Urusan, TVS Motor Company, berkata: “Visi, komitmen dan pelaburan kami ke dalam jenama Norton sedang memasukki fasa yang menarik. Kami tidak sabar-sabar untuk berkongsi perkara itu dengan penunggang motosikal di seluruh dunia.

Sudarshan Venu

Dengan sokongan TVS Motor dan keupayaan global, Norton sedang dicergaskan semula sebagai jenama global, yang diketuai oleh pasukan yang kuat dan dinamik.

TVS Motor telah memberikan komitmen sebanyak £200 juta sepanjang hayat pelaburan dalam pembangunan produk baharu, kemudahan, penyelidikan dan pembangunan serta kejuruteraan kualiti bertaraf dunia. Motosikal Norton baharu akan mengikut falsafah syarikat iaitu ‘Reka Bentuk, Dinamisme dan Perincian’. Pelancaran produk yang menarik sedang dirancang mulai tahun depan, dengan enam model baharu dirancang dalam tempoh tiga tahun akan datang. Sebagai sebahagian daripada ini, Norton sedang bersedia untuk pengembangan antarabangsa dengan tumpuan awal pada Amerika Syarikat, Jerman, Perancis, Itali dan India.

Pelantikan termasuk Richard Arnold, Pengarah Eksekutif Norton, bekas Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Kelab Bola Sepak Manchester United dan Dr. Robert Hentschel, Pengarah Eksekutif & Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif, Norton Motorcycles. Menghimpunkan orang yang betul telah meletakkan Norton dalam kedudukan terbaik untuk memanfaatkan pertumbuhannya.

Hasil daripada pelaburan dan sokongan TVS, penyelidikan dan pembangunan Norton yang digiatkan semula telah disalurkan ke dalam saluran paip produknya melalui kemudahan canggihnya di Solihull, UK. Perjanjian untuk ini ialah One of One V4SV, yang diilhamkan oleh ‘White Charger’ Steve Hislop yang mempercepatkan Goodwood Hillclimb setiap hari perayaan.

Dr. Robert Hentschel, Pengarah Eksekutif & Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif, berkata: “Pelaburan dalam penyelidikan dan pembangunan serta kepimpinan telah meletakkan kami pada kedudukan untuk membawa enam produk menarik ke negara-negara di seluruh dunia, dengan kualiti dan skala bertaraf dunia, mengeja satu lagi zaman kejayaan dalam Norton cerita. Tumpuan kami pada reka bentuk, kebolehmanduan dan butiran akan memaksimumkan peluang menarik untuk Norton serta pelanggan baharu yang memilih salah satu motosikal kami.

Dr. Robert Hentschel

Tahun ini juga menandakan penyiapan Norton Motorcycles memberi penghormatan kepada pelanggan Norton Motorcycles UK Ltd (NMUL). Selepas melabur £2.3 juta ke dalam pembangunan, pembuatan dan kejuruteraan semula platform Komando dan V4, pemenuhan dan penghantaran pesanan untuk pelanggan syarikat terdahulu menandakan penutupan bab penting di mana Norton boleh memberi tumpuan sepenuhnya pada masa depan syarikat.

Richard Arnold, Pengarah Eksekutif, berkata: “Warisan Norton adalah luas, dan memainkan peranan penting dalam pembangunan kami sebagai jenama global. Adalah penting bagi kami untuk mengutamakan pelanggan kami, pada masa kini dan akan datang. Bukan sahaja dengan basikal baharu tetapi juga dengan setiap titik sentuhan pengalaman Norton. Produk yang sedang dalam ujian dan pembangunan adalah sangat menarik. Penunggang basikal di seluruh dunia akan suka menunggangnya dan suka memilikinya, saya tidak sabar untuk memperluaskan ketersediaan mereka kepada pengedar tempatan di wilayah baharu dan berhubung dengan penunggang basikal untuk berkongsi perjalanan Norton.

Richard Arnold
Tamat Siaran Media

Jadi, marilah kita menantikan Norton memasuki semula pasaran Malaysia, ya?

Norton Motorcycles began in 1898 and has gone through a tumultuous history of innovations, racing and sales successes, decline, takeovers, and revivals.

There were three episodes of revival, first under an North American investment company, followed by Stuart Garner, and finally presently by India-based TVS Motor Company in 2020.

TVS Motor has great plans for the legendary brand and is looking forward to expanding it globally.

Begin Press Release

Norton Motorcycles, part of the TVS Motor Company, announced its investment and growth plans to put the company in the ideal place for international expansion. At the Goodwood Festival of Speed, members of Norton’s senior leadership team – Sudarshan Venu, Dr Robert Hentschel and Richard Arnold – shared the vision of the brand and discussed how Norton is now perfectly placed to expand globally.

Sudarshan Venu, Managing Director, TVS Motor Company, said: “Our vision, commitment and investment into the Norton brand is entering an exciting phase. We look forward to sharing that with motorcyclists across the world.

Sudarshan Venu

With TVS Motor’s backing and global capabilities, Norton is being reinvigorated as a global
brand, led by a strong and dynamic team.

TVS Motor has committed £200 million across the life of the investment in new product development, facilities, research and development and world class quality engineering. The new Norton motorcycles will follow the company’s philosophy of ‘Design, Dynamism, and Detail’. Exciting product launches are being planned starting next year, with six new models planned over the next three years. As part of this, Norton is preparing for international expansion with an initial focus on the USA, Germany, France, Italy and India.

Appointments include Richard Arnold, Norton Executive Director, former CEO of Manchester United Football Club and Dr. Robert Hentschel, Executive Director & CEO, of Norton Motorcycles. Bringing together the right people has put Norton in the best position to capitalise on its growth.

As a result of TVS’s investment and support, Norton’s revitalised research and development has been channelled into its product pipeline through its state-of-the-art facility in Solihull, UK. Testament to this is the One of One V4SV, inspired by Steve Hislop’s ‘White Charger’ that sped up the Goodwood Hillclimb every day of the festival.

Dr. Robert Hentschel, Executive Director & CEO, said: “The investment in research and development and leadership has us positioned to take six exciting products to countries across the world, with world class quality and scale, spelling another epoch of success in the Norton story. Our focus on design, drivability and details will maximise the exciting opportunity for Norton as well as for those new customers that choose one of our motorcycles.

Dr. Robert Hentschel

This year also marks the completion of Norton Motorcycles honouring Norton Motorcycles UK Ltd (NMUL) customers. After investing £2.3 million into the development, manufacturing and re-engineering of the Commando and V4 platforms, the fulfilment and delivery of orders for customers of the previous company signifies the closing of a significant chapter in which Norton can fully focus on the company’s future.

Richard Arnold, Executive Director, said: “Norton’s heritage is vast, and plays a key part in our development as a global brand. It’s important for us to prioritise our customers, both in the present and the future. Not only with new bikes but also with every touch point of the Norton experience. The products currently in testing and development are incredibly exciting. Bikers around the world will love to ride them and love to own them, I am looking forward to expanding their availability to local dealers in new territories and connecting with bikers to share the Norton journey.

Richard Arnold
End Press Release

So, let us look forward to Norton reentering Malaysia’s market, shall we?

Indian motorcycle giant, TVS Motor Company is committed to strengthen it’s sustainable mobility solutions by announcing the country’s first ever electric motorcycle racing championship.

As EVs showing significant growth globally, TVS hopes to take the extra initiative that could boost India’s electric mobility growth by introducing the TVS Racing Electric One Make Championship (e-OMC). 

Participant will be racing on the electric TVS Apache RTE race bike developed specifically for the championship. 

“TVS Motor has been championing racing ever since we started India’s first factory racing team. 

TVS Racing has been instrumental in making motorsports aspirational yet accessible for enthusiasts across the country. Many of the technologies that we pioneered in our racing machines have made way to our production vehicles, giving shape to our ‘track to road’ philosophy. 

In line with our vision of providing exciting and sustainable mobility solutions, we are thrilled to announce the debut of India’s first ever EV two wheeler racing. TVS Racing e-OMC will not only set new benchmarks in the racing segment but also demonstrate the potential of electric vehicles in delivering high-octane and thrilling racing experiences for the world to witness,” said Sudarshan Venu, Managing Director, TVS Motor Company. 

According to TVS, the Apache RTE features highest power-to-weight in its class with liquid-cooled motor and high efficiency liquid-cooled motor controller. The motorcycle is also fitted with carbon fiber case that also acts as the stressed member. 

Other premium components include Ohlins bespoke front and rear suspension, Brembo brakes with 320mm fornt disc and master cylinder, and carbon fibre wheels fitted with Pirelli Super Corsa tyres. 

Adding another gem to its well-loved Apache series, TVS Motor Company unveiled its latest flagship, the TVS Apache RTR 310.

  • Designed for the thrill-seekers and adventure enthusiasts, the Apache RTR 310 sets new standards in power, agility, and style, redefining the boundaries of freestyle motorcycling.
  • The RTR 310 is equipped with a host of features including cruise control, riding modes and TPMS (tyre pressure monitoring system). 

The Legacy and the Future

TVS has a 40-year history in racing and this latest offering builds on that experience. Sudarshan Venu, Managing Director, TVS Motor Company, shared his enthusiasm about the new model, stating that it encapsulates Apache’s 18-year legacy of innovation and performance. “This motorcycle will be the flagship product for many global markets including India, Europe, LATAM, and ASEAN,” he added.

Setting the Tech Bar High

Innovation is at the core of the new Apache RTR 310. The bike features a slew of advanced technologies such as:

  • Cruise Control for long drives
  • 5 Ride Modes including a Supermoto Mode
  • Dynamic Class D LED Headlamp
  • Dynamic Brake Lamp
  • Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Moreover, the motorcycle’s 312.2 cc engine delivers a peak power of 35hp and maximum torque of 28.7 Nm, making it a force to be reckoned with on the road.

Safety and Comfort in Design

The TVS Apache RTR 310 has been designed keeping rider safety and comfort in mind. The bike comes equipped with Race Tuned Linear Stability Control, including straight-line dual-channel ABS and Linear Traction Control. It even offers a first in segment cruise control feature, minimizing rider fatigue on long journeys.

Beyond Aesthetics 

With its unique streetfighter design, the bike offers a unique look and feel, complete with lightweight 8 spoke dual-colored alloy wheels. The ergonomics are optimized to offer steering control and lower back comfort during long rides.

 

Customization Galore 

The TVS Built To Order platform allows customers to personalize their Apache RTR 310, with two customisation kits and a unique Sepang Blue Race Graphic option available.

More to Offer 

Adding to the excitement, the TVS Apache RTR 310 comes with a range of 12 exclusive accessories including knuckle guard, visor, pannier and top box kit, and 14 safety gears. 

TVS has truly outdone itself with the Apache RTR 310, bringing to the market a motorcycle that promises to be a game-changer in the world of freestyle motorcycling.

The practice of western motorcycle manufacturers teaming up with Indian brands to expand their reach is nothing new. We’re seeing it quite a lot these days, especially with the recent launch of bikes like the Harley-Davidson X440 in partnership with Hero MotoCorp, and the Triumph Speed and Scrambler 400 in partnership with Bajaj.

  • BMW and TVS to continue their strategic partnership for years to come. 
  • The success of the G 310 GS, G 310 R and G 310 RR is a result of a successful cooperation between BMW and TVS. 

BMW is a brand that’s been doing this for quite some time – 10 years to be exact. Those of you familiar with this partnership would know that the G 310 series is the fruit of this joint venture, and it’s been quite a success for both brands thus far. 

In fact, the G 310 R, G 310 GS, and G 310 RR  made up 90 percent of BMW Motorrad India’s motorcycle sales in the first half of 2023. In total, the German brand sold more than 4,000 G 310 motorcycles in the first half of 2023 alone.

In a press release, Dr. Markus Schramm, Head of BMW Motorrad, stated, “This 10th anniversary is an impressive proof of the success and strength of the collaboration between BMW Motorrad and TVS Motor. What began 10 years ago has developed into an extraordinary success story. 

“Our strong synergies have led to the development of impressive offerings in the sub-500cc segment. Since the launch, BMW G 310 R and BMW G 310 GS single-cylinder models continue to enjoy unrivalled popularity and have become a key pillar of BMW Motorrad’s worldwide success.”

Apart from the massive success that is the G 310 model range, TVS and BMW continue to work together to develop new platforms and technology to shape the future of mobility. 

In particular, the recently unveiled BMW CE 02 electric motorcycle was indeed a model co-developed and designed by TVS.

In the same press release, Mr. KN Radhakrishnan, Director & CEO of TVS Motor Company said, “With the extension and expansion of this partnership towards future technologies and sustainable mobility solutions, we are also in discussions to expand our manufacturing network beyond India to cater to our future growth under this partnership, including the recently unveiled BMW CE 02. 

“We look forward to working closely on developing platforms targeted towards the global urban centric markets and the uber-cool next generation of consumers,” he said. 

TVS is said to be developing a new 600-750cc motorcycle to rival the popular Royal Enfield 650 twins. 

  • TVS plans to rival Royal Enfield with its own 650cc motorcycle. 
  • The development is rumoured to be underway and with the help of Norton Motorcycles. 
*Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650

Although there is no official confirmation from TVS regarding the development of this new motorcycle, it is rumoured that the company is already working on it. 

The new flagship is expected to have a twin-cylinder motor, with power and torque output potentially exceeding that of the Royal Enfield 650 twins, which produce 47 hp of max power and 52 Nm of peak torque.

*Royal Enfield Interceptor 650

The body style of the new TVS flagship is still up in the air, with the company possibly launching multiple body styles simultaneously, or starting with a single offering such as a roadster. 

Based on market response, TVS may consider other body styles such as scrambler, cafe racer, and ADV similar to what Royal Enfield is doing with its 350 and 650cc range.

*Royal Enfield Hunter 350

TVS will need multiple products in the 600-750cc segment to compete with rivals like Royal Enfield, who are consistently expanding their portfolio in this space. After the recent launch of the Super Meteor 650, Royal Enfield plans to add other 650cc bikes such as Shotgun 650, Himalayan 650, and Classic 650.

It is unknown whether TVS will develop this new motorcycle on its own or seek collaboration with another entity. TVS acquired British brand Norton Motorcycles in April 2020, and it is likely that they will use Norton’s expertise for their upcoming motorcycle.

Last week, TVS Motor Company was said to be launching a cruiser-styled motorcycle in India, dubbed the Ronin. 

  • The TVS Ronin is a neo-retro scrambler.
  • To feature USD forks and alloy wheels, including a compact instrument cluster.

However, the third biggest two-wheel maker in India has revealed that the upcoming Ronin is not a production version of the Zeppelin concept cruiser but instead a neo-retro scrambler.

According to the latest leaked images, the Ronin scrambler will feature:

  • golden USD fork
  • upright riding ergonomics
  • multi-spoke alloy wheels
  • single-piece saddle
  • circular LED headlight
  • compact instrument cluster
  • engine bash plate

Although the exact specifications remain unknown, based on reports, the Ronin will run an air and oil-cooled 223cc single-cylinder engine capable of producing around 20hp and 20Nm.

The all-new TVS Ronin will be launched in India on 6 July 2022.

Norton Motorcycles is now working on a new generation of Commando 961.

  • production will commence at new Solihull manufacturing plant.
  • Norton will fulfil customers’ deposit submitted during previous management. 

Norton has been working hard to restore its customer’s faith in the company ever since India’s TVS Motor Company purchased the British brand back in April 2020.

TVS has also invested millions in opening a new headquarters in Solihull to ensure the brand stays in the UK and hired new top executives to bring back the company to its former glory.

Norton recently kickstarted its manufacturing plant with the new Norton V4SV superbike, but in the latest development, the company also decided to fulfil customers’ Commando 961 deposits submitted during the previous administration.

In a new announcement, Norton will fulfil the pre-orders for the Commando 961 before offering the new bike to the public.

Although the Commando 961 nameplate is associated with the previous management led by former CEO Stuart Garner, the new Norton CEO, John Russel, thinks that the Commando moniker should continue to live on.

“I can’t imagine Norton not having a Commando in the lineup, so the big question is what should characterize a modern Commando and when we will bring it to market,” he said.

 

The announcement also came together with two teaser photos of the new Commando 961, confirming that the iconic motorcycle will retain the classic cafe-racer design.

Meanwhile, interested parties can sign up for Norton’s e-mail notifications to get updates on the new Commando 961.

BMW Motorrad India has unveiled some details of the upcoming G 310 RR ahead of its official launch on July 15, 2022.

  • The upcoming G 310 RR will feature similar hardware to the TVS Apache RR310.
  • Decals and colours is heavily inspired by the S 1000 RR flagship superbike. 

From what we know, the G 310 RR will feature a fully-adjustable suspension setup, but in the latest teaser shared on Monday, the baby RR will also get a full-colour instrument cluster, and S 1000 RR-inspired decals.

 

Despite the G 310 RR borrowing much of the hardware from TVS’s Apache RR310, we can confirm that the S 1000 RR will heavily inspire the upcoming sportbike.

Nevertheless, reports in India suggest that BMW Motorrad could introduce different variants of the G 310 RR, with one featuring an adjustable suspension while the other comes in a basic setup.

Currently, the Apache RR310 BTO offers a fully-adjustable KYB front fork with 15mm preload adjustability and 20 sets of damping, while the rear monoshock features 10-steps preload adjustments with 20-sets of damping.

The peak performance of the G 310 RR is accessible via four riding modes; Sport and Track offer peak performance at 33.5hp, while in Urban and Rain mode, the engine power drops to 25hp.

The 312.2cc liquid-cooled, reverse inclined motor is mated to a 6-speed gearbox and can reach 160km/h max speed.

New owners of ailing British brand Norton Motorcycles, India’s TVS Motor Company, puts up £100m investment to spur brand’s development.

(more…)

ARRC 2022 grows bigger with the addition of new TVS Asia One-Make Championship featuring the TVS Apache 310 RR race bikes.

(more…)

After months of speculation, TVS Motor Company has officially confirmed that the company has no plan to bring the Zeppelin concept to production.

The excitement over the Zeppelin is still existing despite the concept motorcycle was first unveiled back in 2018.

Despite the Zeppelin still making the news to this day, there have been no developments about the motorcycle from TVS.

In the latest update, TVS Motor has confirmed that the Zeppelin will remain as a concept via the company official Instagram page.

The Zeppelin was showcased as an entry-level cruiser that featured a first-of-its-kind hybrid powertrain by combining a 220cc single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine paired to a 1200W regenerative assist motor.

The motorcycle also comes equipped with a unique Integrated Starter Generator (ISG), a patented system by TVS.

While the news might come as a surprise, there is still a good chance that TVS has other plans in the future.

We might see a different kind of cruiser soon enough.

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