TVS Motor Company today announced the successful acquisition of Britain’s iconic sporting motorcycle, “Norton”, in an all-cash deal for a consideration of GBP16 million by acquiring certain assets of Norton Motorcycles (U.K.) Limited (in administration) through one of TVS Motor’s overseas subsidiaries. This will be one of the most interesting acquisitions of a storied motorcycle maker in recent times and will reflect TVS Motor Company’s and India’s rapidly rising prominence in the international two-wheeler market.

Founded by James Lansdowne Norton, in Birmingham, in 1898, Norton Motorcycles is among the most popular British motorcycle brands of all time and is one of the most emotive marques today. Since the 20th century, Norton Motorcycles is renowned for their classic models and eclectic range of luxury motorcycles ranging from authentic retro classic reboots of the famous Commando to their contemporary 200 bhp, 1200cc V4 super-bikes.

Commenting on the acquisition, Sudarshan Venu, Joint Managing Director, TVS Motor Company 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 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.”

Sudarshan Venu further added, “Norton will continue to retain its distinctive identity with dedicated and specific business plans. 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.”

TVS Motor Company is excited about the existing and upcoming products at Norton Motorcycles including Commando, Dominator and V4 RR. Confident of the strong synergy between both the brands, we believe that Norton Motorcycles can leverage TVS Motor Company’s global reach and supply chain capabilities to expand to new markets.

The ongoing Coronavirus outbreak has put on hold the start of the 2020 MotoGP World Championship, and, during these months, different countries in the world are also adopting lockdown measures and travel restrictions to prevent the spread of the virus.

Italy has been one of the states most affected by the Covid-19, and since the last 9th March, all citizens are spending their times at home fighting together against the Coronavirus emergency. Based in Forlì, Andrea Dovizioso is also respecting the measure in his house, and he told about his feelings on it in this interview: “Nobody expected the situation to turn out this bad, so it is really strange. Now it is crucial to stay at home. I know it is difficult, but we all have to try to go out only when needed, also because it seems that this measure is working, so we need to continue like this”.

The Ducati Team rider also explained how he is coping with the lockdown and how he is spending his days. “At the beginning, it was quite hard. My girlfriend and I did a few housework, but now things have changed a little. My daughter is staying with us, and there is a lot of work to do with her”.

Apart from spending time with his family, Dovizioso explained how he is taking advantage of these weeks to increase his workouts: “I am training harder than before. Normally, our schedule is tight. We have to train, but also find some time to rest to be ready for the race weekend. Now I can train as much as I want”. Speaking also about his passion for motocross, Dovi added: “I am trying to follow motocross as much as I can, also because in America they are allowed to continue their activities, so I can watch what they’re doing. For me, it is like a sort of time to recharge”.

Before the cancellation of the opening MotoGP Grand Prix for 2020, which was due on the last 8th March in Qatar, the Ducati Team riders Dovizioso and Petrucci were able to undergo two official preseason tests in February, in Malaysia and Qatar, where they worked on the final development of their Desmosedici GP20 bikes. Looking back to those two three-day tests the Ducati rider said: “I think that two preseason tests are not enough for us. Our bodies are not ready yet to ride that much for three consecutive days. I spend most of the time trying new items, and we also need to be sure before deciding on which way continuing our development. That is why I am usually not that fast during the tests. I always try to try the materials during the right time and with certain tyres because I want to give the right feedback”.

Speaking on the new tyre solutions introduced by Michelin this year he also added: “At the beginning, it looked like the new tyres weren’t adapting well to our riding style and our characteristics. But I think, in the end, we were able to improve the overall feeling with the bike during the Qatar Test. Unfortunately, it doesn’t mean that we will be fine on all race tracks. The rear tyres are different, and they affect the front tyres a lot. We did a lot of laps, but during a test, it is difficult to find the same conditions as in the race”.

The Ducati Team rider also stated his goal for the 2020 season, which hasn’t changed from the years before: “Of course, we head into the new season to fight for the championship. If that will be possible, we are only able to find out during the season, but it is always difficult as there are a lot of fast riders. It is hard to be the best, but you need to have this mindset to become like that”.

Tazio Nuvolari behind the wheel of the Abarth 204A

Nearly 70 years ago to the day, on 10 April, 1950, the great champion Tazio Nuvolari ended his racing career behind the wheel of the Abarth 204A, the first model constructed by Carlo Abarth. The time trial ran from the Sicilian capital of Palermo up Monte Pellegrino: a steep, evocative climb, featuring multiple hairpin bends on tarmac. The starting grid included the “Squadra Carlo Abarth” team, with Tazio Nuvolari behind the wheel of the Abarth 204A, a two-seater racing car with an impressive 1,100cc engine. The champion took on the course with his characteristic zeal, finishing with a victory in his class and in fifth place overall.

The friendship between Carlo Abarth and the great champion began soon after WW2, when Nuvolari – who already had 55 victories in international Grand Prix and major road races under his belt – drove for Piero Dusio’s Cisitalia, with Carlo Abarth leading the racing team. When Dusio sold his racing cars to Abarth before he emigrated to Argentina, Abarth knew he could count on the support of Nuvolari, who also took on the role of spokesman for his paddle shift tuning kits and mufflers.

Abarth sports tuning kits converted city cars into race winners, enabling many young drivers to compete successfully. “Sunday on the track, Monday in the office” went Carlo Abarth’s slogan. He combined the production of racing components with working on the official team, whose victories were mainly on the track and in hillclimbs, in coupè and sports cars.

Following Nuvolari’s celebrated victory, Abarth won the International Manufacturers Championship six times running between 1962 and 1967, also racking up wins in the 1972 European Championship for Makes with Arturo Merzario at the wheel, plus four triumphs in the European Touring Championships in 1965, 1966, 1967, and 1969. The history of great successes for the Scorpion brand continued in rallies, with the Fiat 131 Abarth Rally winning three World Constructors’ Championships in 1977, 1978 and 1980, a World Drivers’ Championship in 1980 with the German driver Walter Röhrl behind the wheel, and an FIA Cup for Drivers in 1978 with Finland’s Markku Alén. Such major victories were complemented by wins in seven European Rally Championships between 1975 and 2011, and by the Abarth 124 rally’s 2018 and 2019 triumphs in the FIA R-GT Cup.

A success story with a dual significance: on one hand, continuing to feature in race events, with the Abarth 124 rally running in the 2020 ERC, along with the team acting as technical partner on the track of the Italian and German F4 Championships. On the other hand, for Abarth, racing has always been the ultimate testing ground for engines and technical components. Testing under the most extreme conditions can lead to extraordinary levels of performance and reliability, boosting the competitive spirit while preparing for future technology transfer to models in mass production.

Caterham Cars has launched its latest retro-inspired model – the Super Seven 1600 – after the enormous success of previous heritage cars.

With prices starting at £33,495 (Rs 31.75 lakhs approx.) or £325.99 (Rs 30,685 approx.) a month for 48 months, for a car in component form, the 135bhp (137 PS), 5-speed Super Seven 1600 fits perfectly into Caterham’s existing heritage line of products as a permanent addition, alongside the wildly popular limited-edition Sprint and Super Sprint models launched in 2016 and 2017 respectively.

Inspired by the craftsmanship of the original Super Seven and the early cars created under the historic Caterham badge, the new Super Seven features a raft of retro details and styling cues.

These include the classic flared front wings, retro-inspired 14-inch alloy wheels, a spare wheel and carrier harking back to the touring Sevens of old, and a choice of Seven heritage paint finishes.

In the interior, the retro experience continues, with a timelessly elegant wooden-rimmed steering wheel and classically tailored leather upholstery.

Designed to evoke the glamour, colour and joy of motoring in the 1970s, with none of the drawbacks of ‘70s technology, the new-for-2020 car is the first Super Seven to be offered in the wider, more comfortable large chassis (SV), as well as the standard version (S3).

And it’s not just the car’s looks that hark back to the ‘70s – the Super Seven 1600 includes DCOE throttle body injection, found on any self-respecting rally car of the era and producing a distinctive growl, reminiscent of the twin ‘40s of the period.

Caterham CEO, Graham Macdonald, said: “Caterham has always been about individuality and the quality engineering that makes the Seven peerless when it comes to the driving experience.

“Ownership of any specification of Caterham Seven is a mark of distinction and a ticket to driving adventure, but our heritage line of models holds a special place in the hearts of the true brand enthusiasts. Both of our most recent retro-inspired Sevens – the Sprint and Super Sprint – sold out in record time so we know the appeal for these cars is strong.

“We’re excited to introduce the most powerful Super Seven ever built, a reimagining of a true modern icon, delivering exactly what the original was designed to offer – a focus on driving feel and race-inspired upgrades but with some touches of luxury to the finishes.”

Laurin & Klement / Skoda 110

Skoda celebrates its 125th birthday in 2020 and 115 years since the company launched its first car. Several of the brand’s historically important models are also celebrating jubilees in 2020.

From modest beginnings, the brand has produced a vast range of products over the decades, from bicycles to racing cars, with the original factory in Mlada Boleslav, Czech Republic always at the heart of operations.

The 125th anniversary of the company’s founding also marks the beginning of a new era for the manufacturer: the all-electric SUV, Enyaq, is the brand’s first vehicle to be based on the Volkswagen Group’s Modular Electric Platform (MEB) and will go into series-production in the first half of the year. As part of its ongoing product campaign, Skoda will be launching 30 new models from 2019 to the end of 2022, more than ten of which will be partially or fully electric.

The story began in 1895
The Skoda story began in 1895, when cycling fanatics Vaclav Laurin (a mechanic) and Vaclav Klement (a bookseller) started designing and manufacturing bicycles under the name Laurin & Klement. The bicycles sold well, so Laurin and Klement decided to take the next step – and add motors. The pair started making motorbikes in 1899, producing nearly 4,000 motorbikes of various types. They then started experimenting with a new phenomenon – the motor car – which began to gradually replace motorbikes from 1905 onwards.

Voiturette A

During the early 1900s, Laurin and Klement could do no wrong and their first car, the Voiturette A, was a huge success, becoming a classic in Czech motoring history. When war began in 1914, the company started manufacturing for the armed forces too. However, due to the challenging economic conditions in Bohemia at the time, Laurin and Klement needed a strong industrial partner to strengthen and modernise their company.

They were now not only producing a range of cars, but also trucks, buses, aeroplane engines and agricultural machinery, such as motorised ploughs. To help realise their dream of building an even bigger company, they merged with engineering firm Skoda from Plzen in 1925.

Since then, the winged arrow has been featured on the brand logo on all vehicles from Mlada Boleslav. The first vehicle to be produced under the joint partnership was the Laurin & Klement / Skoda 110, which was available with numerous modifications including soft-top and hard-top versions. Its original modular design with a removable rear section enabled the passenger car to be converted into a practical two-seater flat-bed truck, so it could be used for business during the week and by the family at weekends.

1930s and 1940s
The early 1930s were challenging for Skoda as it wrestled with a large range and a market greatly affected by the Great Depression. Luckily, the brand made a breakthrough with the new and modern Skoda Popular, which was to become a legend in the second half of the decade. Weighing only 650 kg, the Skoda 420 Popular could reach 50 mph and was offered at a fantastic price. It was a true car of the people and adaptable enough to be converted into a range of utility vehicles, such as ambulances and delivery vans.

Skoda Popular

The Popular also empowered owners to venture far afield. In what would prove to be a great piece of product marketing for the brand, four factory-prepared Popular models embarked on a four-month trip to India, while the roadster version performed heroics on the 1936 Monte Carlo rally.

In the mid-1940s the company became a national enterprise. This period saw the Skoda Tudor successfully exported as far as Australia and later the introduction of the mould-breaking Skoda 1200.

1950s – 1970s
This year, marks the 70th anniversary of the factory crew’s 1950 participation in the 24-hour Le Mans in a Skoda Sport, commemorating Skoda’s long tradition in motorsport.

The 1950s also saw the launch of the Skoda 440 which, in 1959, evolved into the first Octavia, named because it was the eighth model to be produced after the end of World War II.

Skoda Tudor

The Czech economy performed well during this time but pressure began to mount as new technology advanced rapidly in the western Europe. In September 1960, Skoda presented the first Octavia estate at the International Engineering Fair in Brno.

In the spring of 1964 the Skoda 1000 MB replaced the popular Skoda Octavia; one of the most prominent models in the company’s history, it featured a fully new car with the 1.0-litre four-cylinder engine housed in the rear. In May 1965, more than 1,000 vehicles were rolling off the assembly line each month. By the end of the year, the company had been able to ramp up its daily production to at least 150 units, making the 1000 MB the first Czech vehicle to be truly mass-produced.

Skoda continued to make new and improved cars – in the form of the legendary Octavia, the elegant 2+2 coupe Skoda 110 R, the Felicia roadster, and the 1000 MB range – but production really only grew again with the arrival of the Favorit model range in 1987.

1980s – 1990s
The political landscape of Eastern Europe shifted again in 1989, when the Berlin Wall fell, the communist government was defeated in Czechoslovakia, and the new free market economy arrived. On January 1, 1993 the Czech Republic was formed. During this time, the new government began to search for a strong foreign partner in an effort to secure the company’s long term international competitiveness.

In December 1990, they decided on Volkswagen and a joint venture began the following year. Skoda became the fourth brand in the Volkswagen Group, alongside Volkswagen, Audi and SEAT.

2000s – Present
Under Volkswagen Group ownership Skoda has flourished. In three decades the brand’s production has grown sixfold as models such as the Superb, Octavia and Fabia have built a loyal fan base. The introduction of Skoda’s SUV family that includes Kodiaq, Karoq, and Kamiq have cemented the brand’s reputation for excellent engineering and value for money.

2020 will mark the beginning of a new era for Skoda with the arrival of the all-electric SUV, Enyaq – the brand’s first vehicle to be based on the Volkswagen Group’s Modular Electric Platform (MEB). As part of its ongoing product campaign, Skoda will be launching more than ten partially or fully electric cars before the end of 2022.

After 125 years, Skoda is active in more than 100 markets, delivering 1.24 million vehicles to customers worldwide.

As India leads global fight against COVID-19, April 1, 2020 gets recorded as a defining moment in Indian automotive industry journey as it transits today nation-wide to BS VI emission norms, from BS IV, by skipping BS V emission norms, altogether. This transition has been four year ahead of the first plan of Government of India in 2014, wherein it was proposed to move to BS VI in the year 2024. While the resolve of our mighty nation is currently under test, unflinching commitment and combined efforts of Indian auto industry only has made BS VI migration a reality against all odds.

Emission norms of these new vehicles are now at par with Europe, meeting one of the most stringent emission norms globally. In fact, the emission norms of all models of two-wheelers in India is ahead of Europe (2021) and Japan (2022), and India is the first country across the world, to adopt this level of emission norms. More than 1,000 models and variants of BS IV were to be developed to BS VI emission norms in just three years, and the industry in the process is investing to the tune of Rs 70,000 crore for this achievement.

Rajan Wadhera, President SIAM said, “It is unprecedented anywhere in the world to switch to such stringent emission regime on one single day, for all categories of vehicles including, Two-Wheelers, Three-Wheelers, Passenger Vehicles, Trucks and Buses. I do compliment my fellow industry colleagues for this outstanding achievement in meeting BS VI emission norms despite facing huge challenges of technology, time and resources.”

Nissan has appointed Guillaume Cartier as Senior Vice President and Chairman for its Africa, Middle East, and India region (AMI) and Head of the Global Datsun Business Unit, effective from April 1, 2020.

In this role, he will lead the regional management committee and be responsible for business strategy and performance with all functional heads for the Nissan brand as well as assume the role of Head of Datsun globally.

Cartier, 51, re-joins Nissan from its Alliance partner Mitsubishi, where he served as Executive Officer and Senior Vice President, Mitsubishi Motors. Prior to that, he has held several senior positons with Nissan, which he first joined in 1995, including SVP Sales & Marketing for Nissan Europe in 2013. With over 25 years serving at Nissan and Mitsubishi across multiple roles covering global and regional operations, Cartier brings a wealth of experience across marketing and sales and a keen focus on business transformation.

Nissan’s global Chief Operating Officer, Ashwini Gupta commented on the appointment of Cartier saying: “The Africa, Middle East and India region continues to be significant for Nissan in terms of long-term growth and potential market share. Cartier brings in a wealth of senior experience from this part of the world, having over 25 years at Nissan, and our alliance partner Mitsubishi, which will be vital in continuing to drive our business forward by meeting the needs of an expanding and evolving customer base.”

Commenting on his appointment, Cartier said: “I am delighted to take on the role of chairman for Africa, Middle East and India region and I look forward to working with our regional leadership to continue growing our presence across our markets. We have a strong positioning in terms of products, services and industrial foot print, as well as an opportunity to expand our Nissan Intelligent Mobility (NIM) platform and innovative approach to mobility solutions across the region.”

“My appointment comes at a time of unprecedented change in our world today. We know these are challenging times for our industry as well as other sectors. This is when we must focus on what matters for us as a global company with a commitment to enrich people’s lives and ensure the health and wellbeing of our customers, business partners and employees.”

Cartier has an MBA form ESSEC Graduate School of Economics and Commerce University. He replaces Peyman Kargar who is taking up a strategic corporate role at Nissan following three years as AMI Chairman and global head of Datsun.

Kia Motors Corporation has announced that Ho-sung Song, Head of Global Operations Division, has been promoted to President.

In his new capacity, Mr. Song will spearhead the advancement of ‘Plan S’, the company’s mid- to long-term strategy aimed at progressively establishing a leadership position in the future automotive industry.

Mr. Song’s extensive experience across the automotive value chain as well as his expertise in overseas operations will be a tremendous assets in the company’s transition to future businesses, which will encompass electric vehicles and mobility solutions.

Prior to his current position as Head of Global Operations, Mr. Song has been successful in a wide array of leadership roles, ranging from President of Kia Motors Europe and Head of Kia Motors Corporation Export Planning Group.

Kia’s Plan S strategy targets a shift toward electric and autonomous vehicles from a business system focused on internal combustion engine vehicles. By the end of 2025, the company plans to offer a full line-up of 11 battery electric vehicles. With these models, Kia is looking to achieve a 6.6 per cent share of the global EV market (excluding China), while also attaining a 25 per cent share of its sales from its eco-friendly cars.

Han-woo Park will move on to an advisory role and continue to support the company’s business objectives.

Ho-sung Song Career Highlights:

Head of Global Operations, Kia Motors Corporation (Executive Vice President)
President of Kia Motors Europe (Senior Vice President)
Head of Export Planning Group, Kia Motors Corporation (Vice President)
President of Kia Motors France (Vice President)

Kia Motors Corporation has appointed Jochen Paesen as Vice President of its Interior Design Group. Taking up his new post this March, Mr. Paesen will be based at the Kia Design Center in Namyang, Korea and report to Karim Habib, Senior Vice President and Head of Kia Design Center.

Mr. Paesen will oversee the development of the brand’s future interior design. In particular, his presence will strengthen the brand’s capabilities in interior design for a range of future electric and electrified vehicles. The appointment is part of Kia’s wider efforts to capitalise on the design opportunities presented by electrification.

He brings with him almost two decades of experience leading major interior design projects across volume, premium and start-up brands. His most recent role was Senior Design Director for Interior Design at NIO, where he led a global team of designers in Munich, Germany, and established an interior identity for the brand prior to its market entry. He previously spent much of his career at BMW Group, and was credited with designing the 2009 BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics concept car and the BMW i8 Roadster. He also worked alongside Mr. Habib on a number of design projects in the early stages of his career.

“It is a great honor to be part of Kia’s global design team during a time of enormous change in the automotive industry,” said Paesen. “I look forward to contributing to Kia’s ambitious plans for the future with exciting and innovative products that will strengthen its position on the market. Kia has a very talented design and development team and I cannot wait to combine our efforts to strengthen the brand further, and pave a new direction full of innovation and class-leading designs.”

“Jochen is not only a talented designer with a great track record, but he also has a deep understanding of the synergy between brand and design,” said Habib. “At a time when Kia has announced its Plan S strategy to tackle the changing environment of the automotive world, Jochen will strengthen our design team and help us create great opportunities for the company. I look forward to welcoming him to our young and creative Kia’s design team in Korea.”

The Kia Design Center in Namyang, Korea is at the heart of Kia’s global design network. Overseeing all aspects of the brand’s designs, from conceptualisation and modelling to styling and development of colour and materials, the design headquarters works closely with the company’s regional design centers in China, Europe and the U.S.

Jochen Paesen career highlights:

2016 – 2019: (Senior) / Design Director Interior Design, NIO
2014 – 2015: Head of Interior Design, BMW i
2012 – 2014: Project Leader Interior Design, BMW Group
2010 – 2012: Creative Director Interior Design, BMW Group
2006 – 2010: Interior Designer, BMW Group
2002 – 2006: Interior Designer, Volkswagen AG

For six generations, globetrotters have travelled the world in it, businesses have relied on it and families have driven it every single day. The future is bright for the icon, with the latest iteration, T6.1, launched in 2019, showcasing a new dashboard and greater connectivity.

To celebrate the landmark, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has collated this ultimate guide to the historic vehicle.

T1: 1950 to 1967
Revealed as a hand-built panel van prototype in 1949, the T1 eventually launched as a rear-engined panel van, passenger van and eight-seat bus. The engine and gearbox came from the Volkswagen Beetle and it offered a maximum payload of 750kg. In 1951, the iconic “Samba” model was revealed with all-round windows and folding sunroof, and a year later a pick-up version was unveiled. Production moved from Wolfsburg to Hannover in 1956 while some were even produced in Brazil. By 1967, around 1.9 million people had purchased the T1 with its “splittie” windscreen, making it a global success.

T2: 1967 to 1979
With the T1 forging its name as something of a cultural icon in the “flower power” era, the successor had a lot to live up to. The T2 took the utility of the van on a step further with a new front end and air intake grille. A sliding door was now standard, and the pop-up roof camper version became an instant hit with globetrotters. In 1972, the T2 went electric with a zero-emission version available to buy. During its run, 2.14 million vehicles were built at the Hannover plant although production continued until 2013 at the Volkswagen plant in Sao Paulo, breaking the record for longest production period.

T3: 1979 to 1992
The T3 took the famous vehicle into the modern era with a wider body offering, more passenger and cargo space and improved safety. A flat engine, available in diesel, was introduced adding to the spaciousness while a new chassis offered car-like handling. In 1985, a raft of innovations were added: catalytic converters, turbochargers and all-wheel drive, while the California and Caravelle became popular. In total, 1.3 million T3s were made in Hannover.

T4: 1990 to 2003
This generation marked a technical revolution with Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles making the T4 front-engined and front-wheel drive for the first time. With this came a new design, longer front end, new suspension, more varied engine choice and even better handling. The Transporter was also available in two wheelbases for the first time. Following a 1996 mid-model refresh, the T4 was phased out in 2003 having sold 1.9 million models across the range, which had grown to feature the panel van, kombi, double cab, pickup and chassis with single and double cab, Caravelle, Multivan and California.

T5: 2003 to 2015
The T5 was an evolution of exterior design with greater focus placed on the interior and the driver’s workplace as well as a variety of petrol and diesel engines and an all-wheel drive system. The California was built in Hannover for the first time, while Caravelle and Multivan continued to be popular choices alongside a number of limited-edition models. In total, 1.65 million T5s were produced.

T6 / T6.1: 2015 to 2019 / 2019-
New engines, intelligent driver assistance systems, new infotainment and a front-end redesign have defined the modern T6 era – while the two-tone paint scheme serves as a nod to the original model. In 2019, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles brought the iconic van into the digital age with a new dashboard design, a raft of technology and connectivity updates as well as a new power steering system and additional efficient, clean turbo-diesels.