TVS Motor Company Acquires Engines Engineering SpA, Sets Up Global Centre of Excellence in Italy

TVS Motor Company, one of India’s leading bikemakers, has acquired full ownership of Engines Engineering SpA, an Italian engineering and design firm described as a “powerhouse known for advanced prototyping, innovation in high-performance motorcycles, and deep experience in MotoGP racing”. 

The Indian company says this will reinforce its in-house capabilities, furthering its commitment to developing sustainable, attractive, next-gen mobility platforms including including high-displacement motorcycles, advanced scooters, and new electric mobility platforms.

With this move, the company has also established a Global Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Design and Engineering in Bologna, Italy, which will function as a concept-to-product innovation hub, where multiple teams from different parts of the world can collaborate. 

The Centre of Excellence will leverage Engines Engineering’s capabilities to help TVS leverage emerging technology to develop future-ready products and bring them to market quicker. It will also contribute to the development of modern, high-performance luxury bikes under the premium Norton Motorcycles brand.

At the CoE, engineers and designers will have access to technology for digital simulation and rapid prototyping, including AI tools and advanced materials capabilities. Modular platform development will help TVS integrate tech features for its next-gen connected models. The company will also engage with universities, startups, and suppliers worldwide to drive  innovation.

In a press statement, TVS Motor Company Chairman Sudarshan Venu said “The establishment of the new Italian Global Centre of Excellence marks another milestone in strengthening our capabilities and accelerating our journey to reimagine mobility. By combining the creativity and racing expertise of Engines Engineering with our engineering and design strengths, we are expanding our ability to deliver premium, connected, and electric vehicles that set new global benchmarks.”

Interestingly, Indian conglomerate Mahindra & Mahindra owned a 70 percent stake in Engines Engineering between 2008 and 2012. The companies had previously worked together for several years, when Mahindra was attempting to break into the Indian scooter and motorcycle markets, with ambitions to expand into Europe, Russia and even China. Mahindra had also used the Italian firm’s expertise to develop a Moto3-class Gran Prix motorcycle at the time. The controlling interest in Engines Engineering was re-acquired by its original founder, Alberto Strazzari.