About TVS Bikes
TVS Motor Company, part of the TVS Group, traces its origins back to 1911 when T.V. Sundaram Iyengar founded T.V. Sundaram Iyengar and Sons in Madurai, India. The company initially operated as a bus service provider, pioneering the concept of public transportation in Southern India. With a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction and operational efficiency, the TVS Group expanded into multiple sectors, including automotive and finance.
Entering the Automotive Market (1955–1970s)
In the 1950s, TVS ventured into the automotive industry by establishing a dealership for bicycles and mopeds. Recognizing the growing demand for two-wheelers in India, the group laid the groundwork for entering two-wheeler manufacturing.
In 1962, the TVS Group set up a collaboration with Clayton Dewandre Holdings in the UK to establish Sundaram Clayton, which manufactured automotive components like brakes and exhausts. This experience in precision engineering would later pave the way for TVS's foray into the two-wheeler market.
Formation of TVS Motor Company (1979)
TVS Motor Company was officially incorporated in 1979 to produce motorcycles, mopeds, and scooters for the Indian market. The company introduced its first product, the TVS 50, in 1980. This two-wheeler was India’s first indigenously designed moped and became an instant success due to its affordability, fuel efficiency, and utility for rural and urban commuters.
Partnership with Suzuki (1982–2001)
In 1982, TVS entered into a technical collaboration with Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan, forming TVS-Suzuki Ltd. This partnership brought advanced Japanese technology to India, leading to the development of reliable and efficient two-wheelers.
Key models during this period included:
- Suzuki Samurai: Known for its ruggedness and reliability, it became a favorite among daily commuters.
- Suzuki Shogun: A performance-oriented two-stroke motorcycle that gained a cult following among enthusiasts.
- Suzuki Supra:A practical commuter bike that offered good mileage and durability.
The partnership also helped TVS improve its manufacturing processes and expand its dealer network across India. By the late 1990s, TVS-Suzuki had established itself as one of the leading two-wheeler manufacturers in the country.
Breaking Away: Becoming TVS Motor Company (2001)
In 2001, TVS ended its collaboration with Suzuki, citing differences in vision. Following the split, the company rebranded itself as TVS Motor Company Limited. Despite losing access to Suzuki's technology, TVS showcased its ability to innovate independently by launching the Victor, its first in-house motorcycle. The Victor was a major success due to its superior mileage, reliability, and affordability.
This period marked TVS's transformation into a fully Indian company, focused on research and development (R&D) to create products tailored to the needs of Indian consumers.
2000s: Expansion and Innovation
TVS continued to expand its product portfolio and market presence throughout the 2000s. Key developments during this period included:
TVS Apache Series (2006): The Apache series was a game-changer for TVS, targeting the growing segment of performance-oriented motorcycles. With sporty designs and advanced features, the Apache series became one of India’s most popular motorcycles.
Scooter Segment: TVS entered the scooter market with models like the TVS Scooty (targeted at women riders) and TVS Wego. These scooters were lightweight, stylish, and easy to handle, capturing a significant share of the market.
TVS started exporting two-wheelers to international markets, strengthening its presence in Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia.
2010s: Focus on Technology and Performance
The 2010s saw TVS doubling down on innovation, with significant investments in R&D and the development of cutting-edge products.
Apache RTR Series: TVS introduced advanced iterations of the Apache, featuring Race-Tuned Fuel Injection (RT-Fi), ABS, and aggressive styling. Models like the Apache RTR 160 and Apache RTR 200 4V became favorites among enthusiasts.
Electric Mobility: TVS began exploring electric mobility solutions, launching the TVS iQube Electric in 2020, a smart and eco-friendly scooter with connected technology.
BMW Partnership (2013): TVS entered a strategic partnership with BMW Motorrad to co-develop motorcycles in the sub-500cc category. This collaboration led to the launch of the BMW G 310 R and BMW G 310 GS, as well as TVS's own RR 310, a flagship sportbike based on the same platform.
Key Achievements and New Launches
- TVS Jupiter (2013): Aimed at families, the Jupiter became one of the best-selling scooters in India due to its practical features and comfortable ride.
- TVS NTorq 125 (2018): This sporty scooter targeted the youth segment with its edgy design, Bluetooth connectivity, and peppy performance.
- TVS RR 310 (2017): Developed under the BMW partnership, the RR 310 offered premium performance and design, making TVS a serious player in the premium motorcycle segment.
Sustainability and Electric Mobility (2020s)
TVS has been actively working towards sustainability, focusing on electric vehicles (EVs) and eco-friendly manufacturing. The company’s iQube Electric scooter represents its commitment to clean mobility and connected technology. TVS is also investing in EV infrastructure and expanding its electric portfolio to compete in the rapidly growing market.
Awards and Recognition
TVS Motor Company has received numerous accolades for its quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, including the prestigious Deming Prize for Total Quality Management (TQM) in 2002 and the TPM Excellence Award from the Japan Institute of Plant Maintenance.
Present-Day and Future Vision
Today, TVS is one of the top two-wheeler manufacturers in the world, with a presence in over 80 countries. The company continues to innovate, focusing on performance, sustainability, and smart mobility solutions. TVS aims to become a global leader in the EV segment while maintaining its stronghold in conventional two-wheelers.
With a legacy of over a century, TVS Motor Company remains synonymous with quality, reliability, and innovation in the two-wheeler industry.
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