Sub-500cc BMW by 2015
Indian firm TVS says joint venture's first model is 'under progress'
THE first of a range of new small-capacity BMWs, produced in collaboration with Indian firm TVS, will be launched in 2015, it has been confirmed.
TVS Motor Company chairman Venu Srinivasan said the joint venture's first product would be launched in the second half of next year.
It's thought to be a 300cc naked bike and is likely to go on sale in the UK badged as a BMW. It’s set to be the first in a range of sub-500cc models, built in India and sold in distinct BMW and TVS versions depending on the markets they’re going to.
Srinivasan told reporters: 'I know we have been silent on the TVS and BMW since we had the tie-up… [The first product] is going to be ready by the second half of next calendar year. All the work is under progress.’
TVS’ current line-up consists predominantly of scooters and 125 commuters but in February the firm unveiled a naked single-cylinder 250 concept called the Draken, allegedly making 38.5hp and 17ft.lb.
BMW's current lowest-capacity machine is the G650GS entry-level adventure bike, which has an engine built by Loncin in China.
