Today we have something that had been a wish for many motorcycle enthusiasts for a long time. TVS motors have finally confirmed that they are going into an agreement with BMW Motorrad. The joint agreement will help both the companies enter into the sub-500cc motorcycle market.
The announcement was made by TVS at a media event held today afternoon. Both the companies will be jointly developing motorcycles in the sub-500cc category and cater to the global markets. This is not the first time an Indian motorcycle has gone into this kind of an agreement. Bajaj Auto already partners with Kawasaki and KTM while Hero MotoCorp has made a deal with Eric Buell Racing. Previously, TVS Motors had a partnership with Suzuki Motorcycles, although it eventually fell apart and Suzuki entered as a solo player.
On this occasion, Stephan Schaller, president, BMW Motorrad, said, “In view of changing motorcycle markets, demographic developments and increasing environmental demands we are expanding our product range so as to tap into fresh growth potential. We have a highly expert and experienced partner in the TVS Motor Company. This means that in future we will be able to offer vehicles in smaller capacity classes in addition to the BMW Motorrad core segments. Various types of motorcycle are conceivable. They will meet the expectations of a BMW motorcycle in terms of riding fun as well as setting a new benchmark when it comes to stability, agility and performance figures. I regard this long-term cooperation as an important step along the road to profitable, sustainable growth”
The tie-up between TVS and BMW Motorrad comes at a very promising time as the sub-500cc market is maturing very fast in India with the likes of the Kawasaki Ninja 300 and the KTM Duke 390 about to make way. There are silent murmurs of Honda launching their newly developed CBR 500 and CBR 400 models in India.
The BMW Motorrad division has a legendary history of making great performance motorcycles and together with the existing TVS know-how, can design and manufacture bikes suitable for the Indian markets. The marketing of these bikes will also get a big boost as they will be under the realm of the BMW Motorrad brand image. Moreover, from BMW’s point of view, this partnership will help the German to enter into the volume-driven and rapidly growing motorcycle segments.
With India being the largest market in the world for 2 wheelers TVS will surely be looking forward to gain a significant share of the market pie via this deal with BMW. However, both will be taking care of their sales and marketing through their own distribution channels.
