ROAD NEWS
TROUBLED NORTON SOLD OFF
N
orton Motorcycles has been making
headlines for all the wrong reasons this year,
and now the troubled British manufacturer
has been confirmed to have been sold to Indian
automotive giant TVS Motor Company.
TVS acquired Norton Motorcycles through
one of its (unnamed) subsidiaries for £16m
($33.2 million) after Norton was placed into
administration following investigations into
financial mismanagement.
Commenting on the acquisition, TVS’ joint
managing director, Sudarshan Venu said, “This is
a momentous time for us at TVS Motor Company.
Norton is an iconic British brand celebrated across
the world, and presents us with an immense
opportunity to scale globally. This transaction is
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in line with our effort to cater to the aspirations of
discerning motorcycle customers. We will extend
our full support for Norton to regain its full glory
in the international motorcycle landscape.”
While the future of Norton is now secure, many
will be wondering if the iconic British marque will
follow the likes of Royal Enfield and become a
nearly all Indian affair. For now, it appears TVS
plans to retain Norton’s identity.
“Norton will continue to retain its distinctive
identity with dedicated and specific business
plans”, Venu said. “TVS Motor will work closely with
customers and employees in building the success
and pre-eminence of the Norton Motorcycles
brand and we look forward to growing together
globally in the years to come.”