history of tvs motors

History of TVS Motors

We should first point out that this is the history of TVS Motor Company Limited, which is part of the TVS Group. We are well aware that the history of TVS dates back to 1911 and we will cover that in other articles. But in this article, we are just looking at the History of TVS Motors.

Founding of TVS Motor Company Limited.

TVS Motors is a prominent two-wheeler and three-wheeler manufacturer in India. It was founded in 1978 as a division of TVS Group, a well-known conglomerate with interests in various industries such as automotive components, logistics, electronics, and textiles. Over the years, TVS Motors has become a household name in India, and its products are sold in over 60 countries across the world. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history of TVS Motors, from its inception to its current status as a leading player in the Indian automobile industry.

tvs xl50
TVS XL50 the start of the XL Range

The early years of TVS Motor Company Limited.

TVS Motors started a joint venture between TVS Group and Suzuki Motor Corporation of Japan. The company was initially named TVS-Suzuki and began producing two-wheelers in a factory located in Hosur, Tamil Nadu. The first product to roll out of the factory was the Suzuki-licensed moped, which was a popular mode of transportation in India at the time. The company quickly gained popularity for its reliable and fuel-efficient vehicles, and its product portfolio expanded to include motorcycles and scooters.

Suzuki Motor Corporation sold its stake in TVS-Suzuki, and the company was renamed TVS Motor Company. The change in ownership did not affect the company’s growth trajectory, and it continued to innovate and introduce new products to the market.

Growth and expansion:

In the early 2000s, TVS Motors introduced several new products, including the TVS Fiero, a 150cc motorcycle that was popular among young riders, and the TVS Scooty Pep, a lightweight and stylish scooter aimed at women. The company’s focus on innovation and customer-centric products helped it establish a strong foothold in the Indian two-wheeler market.

In 2007, TVS Motors entered the three-wheeler market with the launch of the TVS King, a passenger carrier that quickly became popular in the commercial vehicle segment. The company’s foray into three-wheelers was a strategic move, as it allowed TVS Motors to diversify its product portfolio and tap into new markets.

In 2016, TVS Motors launched the Apache RTR 200 4V, a premium motorcycle that was designed for performance-oriented riders. The bike was an instant success and helped the company establish a strong presence in the premium motorcycle segment. Since then, TVS Motors has continued to expand its product portfolio and introduce new models to cater to the changing needs of customers.

Recent developments:

In recent years, TVS Motors has focused on expanding its presence in international markets. The company has established manufacturing facilities in Indonesia and Nigeria, and its products are sold in several countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. In 2021, TVS Motors announced its plans to set up a manufacturing plant in Mexico, further strengthening its global presence.

TVS Motors has also been at the forefront of electric vehicle (EV) technology in India. In 2020, the company launched the TVS iQube Electric, its first electric scooter. The iQube Electric was well-received by customers and was a significant step towards the company’s goal of achieving sustainable mobility. TVS Motors has also partnered with leading EV manufacturers such as Delta Electronics and GreenCell Mobility to develop and manufacture electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers.

tvs iqube electric series
TVS iQube Electric Series

History of TVS Motors Conclusion

TVS Motors has come a long way since its inception in 1978. The company’s focus on innovation, customer-centric products, and international expansion has helped it establish a strong presence in the Indian automobile industry. With a diverse product portfolio that caters to the needs of different customer segments, TVS Motors is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for two-wheelers and three-wheelers

TVS King role in the History of TVS Motors

TVS King is a three-wheeled passenger carrier that was introduced by TVS Motor Company in 2008. The vehicle was designed to offer a comfortable and safe mode of transportation for passengers, particularly in densely populated urban areas.

The TVS King was launched in India in 2008, and it quickly gained popularity in the market. The vehicle’s design was inspired by the Italian Piaggio Ape, which is a popular three-wheeled vehicle in Europe. However, the TVS King was modified to suit the Indian market and road conditions.

The TVS King was designed to offer a smooth and comfortable ride, with features such as a spacious cabin, comfortable seating, and a smooth suspension system. The vehicle was also equipped with safety features such as a sturdy body structure, a seat belt for the driver, and a powerful braking system.

One of the most significant advantages of the TVS King is its fuel efficiency. The vehicle is powered by a 200cc engine that delivers a mileage of around 35 km per litre of petrol. This makes it an economical mode of transportation for passengers, particularly in areas where public transportation is limited.

Over the years, TVS Motor Company has continued to improve and upgrade the TVS King. The company has introduced new models with more advanced features such as a digital instrument cluster and a mobile charging port. The company has also expanded the vehicle’s presence in international markets, particularly in countries such as Sri Lanka, The Philippines, Bangladesh, and Indonesia.

Today, the TVS King is one of the most popular three-wheeled passenger carriers in India. The vehicle is widely used by private individuals, as well as by commercial enterprises such as hotels, hospitals, and taxi services. With its comfort, safety, and fuel efficiency, the TVS King has become a symbol of affordable and reliable transportation in the Indian market.

History of TVS Motors in the Philippines

TVS Motor Company first entered the Philippine market in 2016.

TVS Motor Company offers a range of products in the Philippine market, including motorcycles, scooters, and three-wheelers. The company’s products are known for their quality, reliability, and affordability.

One of the most popular TVS products in the Philippine market is the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V motorcycle. The bike is known for its performance, style, and advanced features such as dual-channel ABS and LED headlights. Other popular TVS products in the Philippine market include the TVS Max 125, TVS XL100, TVS Ntorq, TVS Dazz and the TVS King three-wheeler.

TVS Motor Company has a strong presence in the Philippine market, with a network of dealerships and service centres across the country. The company’s products are popular among private individuals, as well as among commercial enterprises such as delivery services and ride-hailing companies.

TVS Motor Company is committed to providing high-quality products and services to its customers in the Philippines. The company has a dedicated team of professionals to ensure that customers receive the best possible experience when purchasing or servicing a TVS product.

In conclusion, TVS Motor Company’s presence in the Philippine market has been successful, thanks to its commitment to quality, reliability, and affordability. With a strong network of dealerships and service centres, the company is well-positioned to continue its growth and success in the Philippines.

What does TVS Motor stand for?

There is much misinformation about what TVS stands for. The most common is the claim it stands for Trust Value Service while TVS does provide all these thing it is not the history of TVS Motors.

The name comes from the founder of TVS whose name was Thirukkurungudi Vengaram Sundram Iyengar.
We suspect that the misinformation is spread because non-Indian speakers have no idea how to pronounce the name.

TVS company owner

TVS Motors is owned by the TVS Group, a conglomerate based in India. The company is a part of the group’s automotive business and is one of the leading two-wheeler manufacturers in India. The TVS Group is a family-owned business, with the majority stake in TVS Motors being held by the family of T. V. Sundaram Iyengar, the founder of the group. However, the company is publicly listed on the Indian stock exchanges, and shares of the company are traded by a wide range of investors, both institutional and retail. As of 2021, the TVS Group holds a 57.4% stake in TVS Motors, while the remaining shares are held by other investors.

TVS Group

The TVS Group has a wide range of subsidiaries across different industries. Here are some of the notable subsidiaries of the TVS Group:

  1. TVS Motor Company: A leading two-wheeler manufacturer in India, producing a range of motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds.
  2. Sundaram-Clayton Limited: A leading supplier of aluminum castings and components for the automotive industry.
  3. Lucas-TVS Limited: A manufacturer of automotive electrical systems, including starters, alternators, and generators.
  4. Wheels India Limited: A manufacturer of steel wheels for commercial vehicles and passenger cars.
  5. TVS Srichakra Limited: A leading manufacturer of two- and three-wheeler tires.
  6. TVS Electronics Limited: A manufacturer of computer peripherals, mobile devices, and point-of-sale terminals.
  7. TVS Credit Services Limited: A provider of financing solutions for two-wheelers, consumer durables, and other products.
  8. TVS Logistics Services Limited: A provider of supply chain management and logistics solutions.
  9. Sundaram Finance Limited: A non-banking financial institution providing financial services, including vehicle finance and asset management.
  10. Sundaram Asset Management Company Limited: A subsidiary of Sundaram Finance Limited, providing mutual fund management services.

These are just a few of the many subsidiaries of the TVS Group, which operates through over 90 companies across the world.

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