Independence Day 2024: British Bike Brands Owned By Indian Companies

On this 78th Independence Day, as we celebrate 77 years of independence, an iconic British brand is launching its motorcycle and entering the Indian market. Interestingly, this brand is owned by an Indian company, highlighting a role reversal where Indian companies are revitalising iconic British brands. Here is a list of British brands owned by Indian companies. 

BSA

By the time you read this, the BSA Gold Star 650 would have already been launched, marking the return of a legendary British brand to the global motorcycling scene. Owned by Classic Legends, a subsidiary of Mahindra & Mahindra, BSA's first offering is a 650cc single-cylinder motorcycle. It is priced competitively with the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650, another iconic British brand. Classic Legends is the same company that owns the Cechz brands, Jawa and Yezdi in India. While BSA has not announced its expansion plans, we can expect new motorcycles from the brand soon. The ownership by an Indian brand, combined with low manufacturing costs in India, gives BSA a significant advantage.

Norton

Although Norton Motorcycles, the iconic British brand, has not yet made its debut in India, it is gearing up to announce a premium product launch along with 6 models planned. The brand's acquisition by TVS Motor Company in 2020 marked a significant turning point, as it rescued Norton from bankruptcy and provided a strong foundation for its revival. Founded in 1898, Norton is celebrated for its high-performance motorcycles, and under TVS' stewardship, it is poised to reclaim its position as a premier British brand. With plans to expand its product lineup and global reach, Norton is set to excite Indian enthusiasts with its upcoming premium offering, solidifying its presence in the market.

Royal Enfield

Royal Enfield, acquired by Eicher Motors in 1994, is a shining example of an Indian company successfully reviving a British brand. The brand has recently updated its most iconic model, the Royal Enfield Classic 350, which holds a special place in the hearts of Indian enthusiasts. The RE Classic 350 is often regarded as a status symbol in India, and to some extent, the Royal Enfield brand itself is viewed with a similar reverence. With a focus on middleweight motorcycles, Royal Enfield has become a global phenomenon, appealing to riders who seek a perfect blend of classic style and modern reliability. In fact, Royal Enfield is the most popular Indian brand global with respect to sheer brand value. 

Triumph 

Triumph Motorcycles, a British icon since 1902, has entered the Indian market through a strategic partnership with Bajaj Auto, rather than a traditional ownership model.  This partnership has enabled the manufacture of two Triumph models in India, the Triumph Speed 400 and the Triumph Scrambler 400X, which have been well-received by the market. The partnership has achieved a milestone of producing 50,000 units in its first year alone. This expansion will further strengthen Triumph's presence in the Indian market, offering riders an even wider range of options. By manufacturing in India, Triumph benefits from lower production costs, which helps keep prices competitive in the market. Furthermore, according to recent news, two more models are expected to be launched by the brand, which will be based on the same 400 platform. Both existing motorcycles are quality products that have consistently delivered impressive sales numbers, a testament to their appeal and performance. The partnership allows Triumph to leverage Bajaj Auto's local expertise and manufacturing capabilities while maintaining its own brand identity and global standards. 

It's a good thing that Indian companies own these iconic British motorcycle brands. This helps India play a key role in the global automotive industry, building vehicles for the world. This brings in money and helps India grow. Many Indians also love the prestige and legacy of these British brands, which makes them want to buy them. This is a win-win situation for India, combining the best of both worlds to drive growth and innovation.