The spied bike, expected to be named Retron by TVS, is leaning toward comfort than sportiness

A new TVS motorcycle has been spied undergoing road tests. It looks to be a retro-style machine which could be named the Retron.

The automaker received the rights to use the Retron moniker along with the Raider, Fiero 125 and Zepplin R and has subsequently launched the Raider in the market.

Spotted near TVS’ manufacturing plant at Hosur, the new motorcycle has a circular headlight, a rather long front fender, inverted front fork, and a crash guard up front.

Along the sides, it seems to have a rather simple fuel tank, a flat seat and an upswept exhaust end can. The side panels have been covered on the test mule.

At the back, there is a tiny tail light, old school pillion grab rail, and a long part that serves as the number plate holder. It also has circular instrument cluster and rear-view mirrors, a disc brake at both ends, alloy wheels and a rear monoshock.

The spied TVS Retron is expected to be based on the Apache RTR 160 4V. Although the engine is not visible, it does have an oil-cooler. In the Apache, the 159.7cc motor makes 17.55 PS and 14.73 Nm of torque and is mated to a 5-speed gearbox.

Expect to see riding modes, a single channel ABS, if not a dual channel unit, and smartphone connectivity to be offered as standard with the new TVS Retron when it gets introduced.

In India, the Retron will go against the Yamaha FZ-X (costs Rs. 1.24 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi) solely due to the retro-style look both bikes have. The TVS machine should cost pretty much the same as well.

Source

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TVS electric 2-wheelers will have an output of up to 25 kW (33.5 BHP)

TVS Motor Company has announced that it will introduce its complete range of electric 2-wheelers in the next 2 years.

Joint Managing Director of TVS Motor Company, Sudarshan Venu has recently revealed that the firm will launch, in stages, new electric 2-wheelers and 3-wheelers for both passenger and cargo segments.

These electric vehicles (EVs) will have power outputs ranging between 5 kW (6.7 BHP) and 25 kW (33.5 BHP) and the company is investing over Rs. 1000 crores for its upcoming EVs.

It aims to “play a leading role in this in the EV space going forward” as, according to Venu, “….EV is very important for us and we’re investing behind it.”

However, before that happens, TVS intends to upgrade its iQube electric scooter in the “next couple of months,” said to Sudarshan Venu, adding that the scooter will be available in 20 more cities within this month. It is currently sold in 4 cities.

He also specified that TVS plans to offer the iQube, which has a 2.25 kWh Lithium-ion battery and a range of 75 km, across the nation before the end of this fiscal year.

TVS electric 2-wheelers will also likely be exported in the future and the company, says Venu, is “announcing charging partnerships to scale up the fast charging and convenience to customers.”

This has to be done, as the Joint Managing Director of TVS Motor Company states that adoption of EVs will depend on various factors, including “the maturity of technology, the improvements in technology and the advances, subsidies and customer acceptance, creation of charging infrastructure.”

Source

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The TVS-Ego Movement partnership will result in TVS expanding its global presence

TVS Motor Company has announced a partnership with Ego Movement, a Switzerland-based electric bicycle maker.

The Indian firm is now a majority shareholder in Ego Movement and the all-cash deal (amount undisclosed) was done through its Singapore Subsidiary TVS Motor (Singapore) Pte Ltd.

Through this deal, TVS wants to expand its global presence in developed markets, starting with Europe, which serves as the heart of the electric bicycle market.

EGO Movement, which sells e-bicycles, e-cargo bikes, among others, has an omnichannel network across Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Germany with plans to expand across Europe.

Its products have a removable battery pack, a mid-motor with a torque sensor, 25 km electric range, a USB, an LED light that automatically switches on at dusk and IoT functionality.

Speaking about the TVS-Ego Movement partnership, Joint Managing Director, TVS Motor Company, Sudarshan Venu, said, “We are building a strategic personal e-mobility ecosystem by scaling unique brands which share our vision of delivering compelling customer experience benchmarks through cutting-edge, aspirational products.”

He added that the together, the firms will will address global urbanisation by delivering “unique e-mobility solutions with e-bicycles and mobility across a diversity of forms.”

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The teaser videos of the TVS Fiero reveal that the bike will be unveiled on 16th September

TVS Motor Company has released as many as 4 teaser videos of what we suspect is the new Fiero, in quick succession.

The teasers, released under the title “The Wicked Ride by TVS” show some of the upcoming motorcycle’s design, its lighting units, switchgear and even the seats.

Sporting an LED headlight with twin C-shaped DRLs, the new generation TVS Fiero has a digital instrument cluster which shows the clock, the selected gear, among other details. It is likely to come with Bluetooth connectivity as well.

Moving along, the new motorcycle has a bulky fuel tank, split seats and a single-piece pillion grab rail, while at the back, there is an LED tail lamp.

The 2022 TVS Fiero teaser videos also reveal some of the colour choices the motorcycle will be available with and they include black, blue, red and yellow.

While teasers 3 and 4 reveal all the above-mentioned details, teasers 1 and 2 disclose the exhaust note of the motorcycle.

The first teaser in particular lets us hear the engine note too, as its full 9000 RPM rev band is utilised, along with the exhaust note.

Judging by the exhaust note, we reckon that the motorcycle’s engine should at least have a displacement of 150cc, if not more.

However, Joint Managing Director, TVS Motor Company, Sudarshan Venu has recently said the firm will launch a 125cc motorcycle before the end of September. So, we can be fairly sure that it is a 125cc product.

The first teaser also shows a rider’s point of view, while taking the motorcycle around a circuit and on twisty roads, indicating how TVS wants to pitch this upcoming bike in the market.

Do note that the name is only a speculation as of now, as TVS could very well make use of the ‘Raider’ and ‘Retron’ monikers it has already trademarked, for the new bike.

Well, since TVS has announced that the motorcycle will be unveiled on 16th September, one does not have to wait too long for all the details to be disclosed.

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The pilot projects initiated by TVS and Mahindra will check the viability of running vehicles with ethanol engines

TVS and Mahindra have started pilot projects to produce ethanol engines for 2-wheelers in Pune.

Recently, the government approved use of E20 (20 percent ethanol and 80 percent petrol) as an automotive fuel and come 2023, oil marketing companies will be able to retail the fuel in India.

While the target for 20 percent ethanol blending in petrol has been moved from 2030 to 2023, the government had also asked automakers to check the viability of vehicles that run on pure ethanol or E100.

Thus, even as automakers are working on engines that will run on E20, projects on engines that run on E100 are also being worked upon.

One of the key aspects of the pilot projects would be to check the viability of launching E100 vehicles in India. The projects would also test if running a vehicle throughout the year on E100 can be sustained.

This is due to fact that the fuel is scarcely available in India, which makes launching a vehicle that runs on E100 impractical. At present though, the automotive industry is more concerned about reaching 20 percent ethanol blend in petrol.

The country produces 457 crore litres of ethanol per annum, which is sufficient for 10 percent ethanol blending. But, to reach 20 percent blending, over 1000 crore litres of ethanol need to be produced every year.

It must be noted that in January, the Department of Food & Public Distribution received as many as 418 proposals to set up an additional ethanol capacity of 1680 crore litres per year.

Of this 840 crore litres would be from solely gran-based products which was recently facilitated by the government. However, the majority of ethanol used in India continue to come from molasses.

It is likely that States like Karnataka, Maharashtra and UP, which have high blending rates will likely be the first to achieve E20.

Source

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Before TVS could launch the production version of the Zeppelin concept bike, A Chinese firm has introduced the JSX500i

Remember the TVS Zeppelin Pro Cruiser bike concept which was showcased at the 2018 Auto Expo? Now take a look at the Xianglong JSX500i pictured above. Eerily similar, we know.

The Chinese have been known to copy well-known products for ages now. However, in a very rare move, they decided to produce a knock-off version of a bike that has yet to enter production.

Xiangshuai Heavy Machinery is the culprit which has made the Xianglong JSX500i that looks identical to the Zeppelin concept from TVS.

Be it the hexagonal headlamp, mudguard, radiator covers, the shapely fuel tank, single piece stepped seat, side panels or the stubby rear end, the Xianglong JSX500i looks almost identical to the TVS concept machine.

There are a few differences like a slightly different engine cowl, and the bike has alloy wheels instead of wire-spoked ones, while the instrument cluster is dissimilar too.

Powering the bike is a 471cc twin cylinder engine that puts out 44.87 PS and 41 Nm of torque. It comes paired with a 6-speed transmission.

Sporting full LED lighting, the Xianglong JSX500i comes with inverted front forks, adjustable rear monoshock, twin discs upfront and a single disc at the back and an upswept exhaust.

It rides on 120/70-section front tyre and 150/70-section rear rubber wrapped around 17-inch rims and has a claimed top speed of 150 km/hr.

Source

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TVS Motor Company has launched the ARIVE mobile app that it says is aimed at transforming customer experience of exploring 2-wheelers.

Claimed to be first in its segment, the Augmented Reality Interactive Vehicle Experience (to give its full form) app allows people an in-depth product exploration and purchase experience using AR technology.

The TVS ARIVE app will mark its entry with the Apache RR 310 and RTR 200 4V motorcycles and will later be expanded to the manufacturer’s entire range, offering an independent module for every product.

Each module is further divided into three different modes, namely – Place To Explore (AR-based), Scan a Real Bike (AR-based) and 3D mode (for non-AR compatible devices).

Further, each of these modes offers multiple hotspots that highlight features through an X-ray vision of the vehicle, supported by a detailed description, videos and animations.

For example, the Place To Explore mode in the TVS ARIVE App creates an augmented experience of the real vehicle, by positioning the virtual 3D model of it in the AR world. The user can the have a 360-degree view of the motorcycle.

More options such as Sell Through Process (for booking test rides and locating the nearby dealer), the ability to change the bike’s colour, get to know its specifications are present along with a product videos section.

There is also a booking option that redirects users to the TVS website. The app is now available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store for iOS customers.

TVS ARIVE App

• TVS has launched a new application named ARIVE
• It uses AR tech to provide an in-depth product experience
• Now available for the RR 310 and RTR 200 4V

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TVS Motor Company has applied for the trademark of the Fiero 125 along with three other titles namely the Raider, Retron and Zepplin R.

Let us take a look at each of the products and bear in mind, these are speculations for now and things might change when more information is revealed in the future.

Fiero 125 – Although there are no details about the bike, like its possible launch time, what can be surmised is that it will address the fact that TVS does not have a presence in the 125cc motorcycle range at present.

Since the 125cc segment is a volume puller, there is nothing against the new motorcycle, if provided with good features and priced right, doing well like the Honda Shine or the Bajaj Pulsar 125.

TVS is expected to provide features like LED lighting, digital console with Bluetooth connectivity and also modern design to the new bike. The engine will be fuel-injected an will likely offer performance similar to that of its rivals.

To those who might have forgotten about the Fiero, it was a 150cc bike that was put on sale in the noughties when Suzuki and TVS were working in collaboration.

Raider – This motorcycle might either be an entry-level adventure motorcycle with a 200cc engine or a premium ADV based on the RR 310’s platform. But, the needle points a tad bit more towards the entry-level side for Hero already has the Xpulse 200 and Honda is said to be working on an Hornet 2.0-based ADV.

Thus, the TVS Raider could well be a 200cc adventure motorcycle based on the RTR 200 4V platform and will likely sport off-road-oriented equipment apart from the necessary hardware.

Retron – Expected to be a retro-looking electric scooter, the Retron will likely be positioned above the iQube currently on sale and primarily challenge the Ather 450X.

Back in the 2018 Auto Expo, the firm previewed the TVS Creon electric scooter concept with 80 km range and fast charging capability and it could well be put on sale as the Retron.

Zepplin R – Like the TVS Fiero 125 trademark, the manufacturer has also applied for the trademark of the “Zepplin R”.

Showcased two years ago at the Auto Expo, the cruiser motorcycle concept had LED lights, a digital instrument console, and striking looks. We can expect the production bike to look similar to the concept and come with latest features.

It is the engine that is more of a mystery at the moment. The concept featured a 220cc engine and mild hybrid tech. But, if it is to compete against premium cruisers like the Honda H’ness CB350 and the Royal Enfield Meteor 350, it should have a bigger engine and it is most likely to be a detuned version of the Apache RR 310’s motor.

As for the mild hybrid system, it would be a segment first if offered and would set the product apart from its rivals, but would also drive the asking price higher. So, there might be a non-hybrid version and a mild hybrid version on offer when the motorcycle is put on sale.

TVS Fiero 125 Trademark

• TVS has trademarked four new titles recently
• The manufacturer is currently working on four new products
• Upcoming products include the Fiero 125 and Zepplin R cruiser

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In a recent interview, KTM CEO Stefan Pierer said that TVS Norton Acquisition isn’t a good decision. This reminds him of Mahindra’s BSA acquisition.

KTM boss beleives that after the coronavirus pandemic situation, certain consolidation of the motorcycle industry will take place. For TVS, launching a new brand in this situation won’t be easy.

We feel he wants to say that in these hard times for the industry, resurrecting an old brand and getting it into good business will be an uphill task for the Indian bike maker.

On the other hand, TVS hasn’t revealed any concrete plans of their future with Norton. What they have revealed is the fact that Norton won’t make low displacement motorcycles in the near future.

TVS will expand the reach of Norton Motorcycles to newer markets. The iconic British brand will use TVS’ global reach and supply chain capabilities for their growth.

When asked about Bajaj Triumph deal, Stefan Pierer said Rajiv Bajaj has always discussed the agreement with him. He says it’s not a problem for KTM since they’re not a heritage brand like Triumph Motorcycles.

He says with this agreement Bajaj is strengthening their production capacity and will bring some benefits to the supply chain.

For those who aren’t aware, Bajaj Auto and Triumph Motorcycles are coming up with mass market motorcycles. These bikes will have engine capacities ranging from 200cc to 750cc. Starting price for the 200cc Triumph motorcycle is likely to be under Rs. 2 lakhs.

TVS Norton Acquisition

• KTM boss says it is not a good decision
• He believes it won’t be easy for TVS to resurrect the brand
• It reminds him of Mahindra’s BSA acquisition

Source – LeRepaireDesMotards.com

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In February 2020 it was speculated that the TVS-BMW alliance will be introducing a new motorcycle in 2021. Now, it has been confirmed by TVS’ top company official that they will launch a new product next year.

The TVS-BMW alliance currently has three bikes on offer – TVS Apache RR 310, BMW G 310 R and BMW G 310 GS. Now the upcoming TVS motorcycle will be based on the same platform as the aforementioned bikes.

The category of the new motorcycle is still unknown. Whether it’ll be a naked motorcycle or an adventure bike or a different motorcycle altogether is yet to be seen.

However, it will share most of the mechanicals with its sibling the Apache RR 310. It is powered by a BS6-compliant, 312.2cc engine that churns out 34 PS at 9700 RPM and 27.3 Nm at 7700 RPM.

BMW will also update the G 310 R and G 310 GS with a BS6 compliant motor around the festive season along with a few more changes including new LED headlights.

New TVS-BMW Bike

– The fourth product out of this alliance to launch in 2021
– It will be based on the same platform as the other three
– The category of the bike is yet to be known

Source – MoneyControl.com

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We had recently reported that TVS was in talks to acquire Norton Motorcycles and the acquisition has now been completed. TVS has acquired Norton for GBP 16 million (Rs. 153.16 crores). For the uninitiated, Norton is an iconic British 2-wheeler manufacturer known for their performance bikes.

Norton Motorcycles was founded in 1898 and since the 20th century the company is famous for their classic and luxury motorcycles. The Norton Commando is one of their most popular models and the company had launched a rebooted version of it. Norton is also known for their 1200cc, 200 HP V4 superbikes and even the Dominator.

Through this deal, Norton will now be able to enter more and more markets. The company will utilise TVS’ global reach and supply chain capabilities for this. TVS has stated that Norton will continue to retain its identity with dedicated business plans while TVS will work with customers and employees to grow the brand.

TVS Acquires Norton

– TVS has acquired Norton for GBP 16 million
– Norton is an iconic 2-wheeler manufacturer based out of Britain
– Norton Motorcycles will now expand to newer markets

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Norton Motorcycles is a premium British motorcycle brand that went into administration in January 2020. The recent owner Stuart Garner tried to revive the brand with new products but failed to do so.

We saw the brand entering India in association with MotoRoyale but it didn’t work. Now that the premium motorcycle brand is looking for bidders, TVS Motor Company is in talks to buy it.

The Indian bike maker has approached the Norton Motorcycles administration for a potential acquisition. TVS hasn’t made a final decision yet whether to formally bid for Norton Motorcycles.

If they acquire the British marque, TVS will have an access to technology for making premium products in India. Currently, it is known for its commuter motorcycles, scooters and entry-level performance motorcycles.

The Indian bike maker is already working with BMW Motorrad and the two brands have come up with products like BMW G 310 R, BMW G 310 GS and TVS Apache RR 310.

Similarly, we could see new mass market premium motorcycles with Norton Motorcycles acquisition if they manage to have a good balance of high-end tech and experience in the two-wheeler industry.

TVS Norton Motorcycles

– TVS Motor considering to buy Norton Motorcycles
– British bike maker went into administration in January 2020
– TVS is among prospective bidders of Norton Motorcycles

Source – Bloomberg.com

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TVS Young Media – Final Race

An idea coupled with action will always get better results than expected

The second race at MMRT was a blast, coming in the top 5 with no racing background at all had been quite a boost for me. We would have had a chance of racing 4 times in 2019 but it was cut off to 3. So BIC was not happening and MMRT was the place again for the last race. It is better late than never to log all the details right? So here’s how I got at least one trophy back home from the TVS Young Media Racer Program.

The last two races I had been in the top 5 and scored a decent number of points. The gap between the second and the third race was quite a bit and everyone had the time to get fit. As we all know, everyone just rather focused on the work with barely any fitness regime and reached Chennai just as healthy as they were, pun intended! This time my aim was to at least get a podium and I was very determined in getting the lines as good as possible. Wasn’t sure on having the best power-to-weight ratio though.

The last time during the practice, my timing was 2:24.72 and since it had been quite some time, I thought my timings would be similar. But surprisingly I performed better and improved my practice session by 3 seconds for the fastest lap. It dropped down to 2:21.965 and I was pumped to keep the pace up for qualifying. This was almost qualifying pace coming in the practice session and I got unnecessarily excited. As the qualifying came later in the day, the excitement and tiredness got to me and I was 1 second slower at 2:22.190.

Performing badly in the qualifying round while still having the capabilities to do better hits you hard! Since I was slower while everyone improved their timings in the second session I was worried that I might miss the podium this time too. After coming back, we got in the pool while discussing the mistakes we all did on the track; I understood that I could improve my braking in the last 4 corners. We all had a good dinner post the cooldown session and as I went back to the room I just kept thinking about the lines and braking points.

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It’s been three years since TVS – BMW alliance rolled out its first product, the Apache RR 310, which was the first motorcycle with a TVS badging, having the essence of BMW Motorrad. After the huge success of this ride, the company came out with other productions too. Now the company has said that the ally will be offering another vehicle to the premium segment in 2021.

This bike will be made on the same platform that was built by the alliance of these two motor companies. The upcoming vehicle is expected to be new and an upgrade.

This Indo-German alliance was formed back in 2013 with the main objective to capture the mid-capacity bike buyers, as this segment has a good number of buyers as compared to the segment BMW Motorrad dealt in. With those sales figures, the German company decided to tap into a much more compact segment to stabilize.

This treaty had major offerings on the G 310 R and the G 310 GS, whose designs and developments were maneuvered majorly by BMW, but the production was polished off in the Hosur plant of TVS, Tamil Nadu. This December, the company claimed to cross 50,000 production-milestone for both these bikes in less than two years.

TVS’ arch rival Bajaj Auto has a similar alliance for producing bikes for this segment as it has invested in KTM which produces performance bikes under the Duke and RC series (recently the first Adventure bike was also launched). Bajaj also signed an agreement with Triumph Motorcycles for similar displacement engined bikes for the Indian market.

TVS-BMW Alliance

– TVS will roll out the brand-new model in the year 2021
– This alliance has already spun off two motorcycles for BMW
– Bajaj Auto has 2 similar alliances for producing mid-capacity bikes

Source – Moneycontrol.com

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TVS Motor Company recently introduced their first electric vehicle. The TVS iQube electric scooter was showcased in a concept version at the Auto Expo 2018. It has now been launched with a price tag of Rs. 1.15 lakhs (on-road Bengaluru).

On the sidelines of the iQube launch, the top officials of the company confirmed that TVS will be expanding its electric vehicle portfolio in the coming years in a phased manner.

The company will have a wide range of electric vehicles in their portfolio in a phased expansion strategy over the years. They believe it is a market where competition is expected to get stiff with the government pushing for electrification of vehicles.

The company believes that charging infrastructure needs to improve a lot and the automaker has to gear up their dealerships for service and the mechanics need to be trained as well.

We can expect new electric scooters and motorcycles from TVS in the near future along with electric commercial vehicles.

TVS is considering to export the iQube electric scooter soon. The Indian two-wheeler maker has a production capacity of 1000 units of the electric scooter a month at their Hosur plant in Tamil Nadu.

The iQube is currently available only in Bengaluru while there are 3-4 more cities planned by TVS in the next fiscal year.

TVS Electric Vehicle

– TVS plans to expand their EV portfolio
– There will be a phased expansion of electric products
– TVS iQube electric scooter was recently launched as the company’s first EV

Source – EconomicTimes.com

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