Chennai-based TVS Motor Company is said to be in talks with German auto maker BMW AG's unit, BMW Motorrad. Having seen KTM, Triumph and other companies successfully establishing themselves in the Asian market, now BMW has decided to enter as well.
TVS Motors Chairman, Mr Venu Srinivasan, has confirmed that the company is in talks with premium German auto-maker BMW’s motorcycle division, BMW Motorrad, for a tie-up.While TVS Motors builds two wheelers and three wheelers, BMW Motorrad exclusively builds high performance motorcycles, it would be great to see these companies from different part of the world come together with a unique product for the Asian market. TVS motors has been in the Indian market for quite some time now and has been doing exceptionally well in the entry level segment. TVS motors are now thinking of joining the 200cc club by launching a range of products by 2014-15.
Mr Srinivasan said “We are in discussions with BMW for a tie-up, but at this point I can’t reveal more details. However, equity sale is not being considered”Eleven years after parting ways with Japanese partner Suzuki Motor Corporation, Chennai-based TVS Motor Company is looking at a new collaborator. The joint venture between TVS and Suzuki spanned for a decade before they parted ways to go alone in India. Now TVS are in talks with BMW, basically with the success of various motorcycle company in India, BMW also wants to enter the mass volume spectrum of two wheelers, especially in the 200-600cc segment which is currently the hottest in India.
BMW motorrad which is known for its innovative and cutting edge performance motorcycles will help TVS access technological know-how to develop more powerful motorcycles and be better equipped to compete with larger rivals such as Hero MotoCorp Ltd and Bajaj Auto Ltd.
A technological alliance between TVS and BMW definitely shows us that the success of Austrian bike maker KTM hasn’t gone unnoticed in the European market.
If talks with BMW conclude favorably, TVS will join Hero MotoCorp and Bajaj Auto in tying up with global two-wheeler makers to source technology for making high end motorcycles.
A pact with BMW will definitely change the fortunes of TVS.
