TVS Motor Company has officially confirmed the introduction of its premium British motorcycle brand, Norton, into the Indian market by the end of 2025. This strategic move aims to establish Norton’s presence in India’s growing premium motorcycle segment.
Initial Offerings: High-End Models
The initial lineup is expected to include the Norton Commando 961, V4SV, and V4CR models. These motorcycles will be imported as Completely Built Units (CBUs) from Norton’s Solihull facility in the UK. The Commando 961 is a modern classic powered by a 961cc air/oil-cooled parallel-twin engine, delivering 76.8 bhp and 81 Nm of torque. The V4SV and V4CR are high-performance models featuring a 1,200cc liquid-cooled V4 engine, with advanced components like Ohlins suspension and carbon fiber bodywork.
Future Plans: Local Manufacturing and Mid-Capacity Models
TVS plans to expand Norton’s portfolio by developing mid-capacity motorcycles in the 300–650cc range, tailored for emerging markets like India. These models will be manufactured locally at TVS’s Hosur plant, aiming to offer competitive pricing and cater to a broader customer base.
Impact of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement
The recently finalized India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is expected to reduce import duties on British motorcycles from over 100% to just 10%. This significant reduction will make Norton’s premium models more accessible to Indian consumers and facilitate smoother supply chains between the two countries.
Conclusion
TVS’s strategic introduction of Norton Motorcycles into India marks a significant step in diversifying its portfolio and tapping into the premium motorcycle segment. With a blend of imported high-end models and plans for locally manufactured mid-capacity bikes, TVS aims to cater to a wide range of motorcycle enthusiasts, offering them the timeless appeal of Norton combined with modern engineering.
