TVS Motor Company is planning to launch the Norton range of motorcycles in the Indian market, reveals an ET Auto report. The report further reveals that Norton has filed trademark for four monikers in India namely Norton Commando, Norton Atlas, Norton Manx and Norton Fastback. For those asking, TVS had acquired Norton last year in an all-cash deal of GBP 16 million (Around Rs 153 Crores). Though an exact timeline of the launch of Norton motorcycles in India has not been revealed by the company but we expect it to take place by the end of 2021.
Sudarshan Venu, Joint MD, TVS Motor Company, contrary to the ET Auto report, had told our friends at carandbike that there are no plans at all to shift manufacturing of Norton Motorcycles to India. TVS made a multi-million pound investment in Norton, thus enabling it to start a new production facility. Currently, Norton's portfolio comprises of various products ranging from 600cc to 1200cc which includes performance bikes as well as cruisers. The Chennai-based bikemaker is planning to use the expertise of Norton's existing design and engineering teams as it intends to position Norton as a premium motorcycle brand in the global circuit. In fact, it will not be surprising if we witness technology transfer between TVS and Norton anytime in future.
TVS could aim to target the 350cc-600cc space and enter the cruiser segment which is presently dominated by Royal Enfield. In all likelihood, TVS will not launch a motorcycle with smaller engine capacity under the Norton badging. The British brand has a 961cc air cooled petrol engine which powers a couple of its models like Norton Dominator and Norton Commando. In addition, it also owns a 650cc parallel-twin engine platform along with a V4 engine platform. So, these are a few things that could really help TVS to come up with something exciting in future. Though when asked to comment, the TVS Motor Company spokesperson refused. Stay tuned to this space for more exciting updates!