TVS India and BMW are going to have partnership for bikes ?

TVS Motor Company, Chennai based firm eleven years after parting ways with Japanese partner Suzuki Motor Corporation is looking at a new collaborator. TVS Motors today revealed in a statement that the company is having on-going talks with BMW Motorcycles and this partnership is likely to see the light of the day before the end of the ongoing fiscal year.

As per the Sources based on recent media reports , TVS could use BMW’s expertise to extend its premium bike range, where it currently has the Apache (160cc, 180cc). BMW may get a strong local partner, helping it expand its network rapidly, gain market knowledge and cut manufacturing costs. With an eye on volumes, premium player, US-based Harley-Davidson, has already set up a plant in Haryana. The UK’s Triumph has also purchased land in Karnataka.


Mr. Venu Srinivasan, Chairman of TVS Motors, has confirmed that the company is in talks with premium German auto-maker BMW’s motorcycle division, BMW Motor, for a tie-up. Though an equity sale by the two- and three-wheeler maker has been ruled out, sources said the partnership will likely involve a technology sharing pact and may also extend to joint marketing. Both partners reportedly see a strong gain as it could fill the gaps in their respective portfolios. Mr. Srinivasan also stated," 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".

Currently, BMW Motor sells high-end performance bikes since 2010 in India. And TVS, on the other hand currently sells a range of motorcycles, starting from entry level TVS Sport in the 100 cc segment to the 180 cc model TVS Apache. Recently, it launched the 125cc bike, Phoenix in India. It is priced at Rs 49,990 for drum brake version and Rs 52,000 (ex-showroom Delhi) for the disc brake variant. Commenting on the company’s expectations from the newly launched Phoenix, Goindi said: “The overall executive motorcycle segment is about 4 lakh units a month in India now and we want to have a share of about 5-7 percent.” He also added that overall, the company is aiming to sell around 20,000 units of Phoenix 125.

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