TVS Motor buys Italy’s Engines Engineering to build Bologna design hub

TVS Motor Co. Ltd is acquiring Bologna-based Italian automotive design and engineering powerhouse Engines Engineering S.p.A. and will use it to anchor a new Global Centre of Excellence for design and engineering tied into its worldwide R&D and Norton Motorcycles, the company said.

TVS said the Bologna hub will function as a concept-to-product unit that fuses Engines Engineering’s design and prototyping skills with TVS engineering teams to shorten development cycles, raise product differentiation, and expand its premium and electric portfolio.

The company said the centre will “add new capabilities to Norton Motorcycles,” its British marque.

Norton is a British premium motorcycle brand based in Solihull, UK. TVS Motor acquired Norton’s assets out of administration in April 2020 and has since committed about £100 million to rebuild the company with a new facility and model line.

“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,” said Sudarshan Venu, TVS Motor chairman.

The company listed focus areas that include digital simulation, rapid prototyping, modular platform development, AI-driven design tools, advanced materials, and partnerships with universities, startups, technology firms, and suppliers.

TVS said these capabilities are intended to cut time to market for high-displacement motorcycles, advanced scooters, and new electric platforms, and to strengthen Norton’s future model pipeline.

TVS did not disclose financial terms in its notice.

Engines Engineering was founded in 1979 by engineer Alberto Strazzari in the Bologna motorcycle cluster and has delivered end-to-end two-wheeler programs for multiple brands.