The G 310 R, the first product developed under TVS Motor Company’s alliance with Germany’s BMW Motorrad, is set to roll out in H2 or Q3-Q4 FY2016-17, say sources aware of the decisions taken by the company management.
Talking to Autocar Professional, an industry analyst, on the condition of anonymity, revealed that “there are two products in the pipeline under its alliance with BMW currently. The company plans to launch one of those in H2 FY2017. One of these two products will also be sold in global markets badged under BMW.”
As understood, the two products developed under TVS Motor Co's partnership with BMW’s two-wheeler division are the street-naked G 310 R and possibly its faired version – TVS Akula 310.
While the G 310 R is confirmed to be powered by a four-stroke, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled 313cc powerplant, it is expected that the same engine could also power the Akula concept in the near future. The engine is estimated to deliver peak power in the range of 34bhp and a maximum torque output of around 28Nm.
Both the models – BMW G 310 R and TVS Akula 310 – were unveiled for the first time in India at Auto Expo in February. It is understood that while the BMW G 310 R could be the first product to be rolled out under the partnership, the Akula concept may follow soon. However, the company has not confirmed a firm timeline for the commercial launch of its faired concept.
In terms of market positioning, the BMW G 310 R will sit between its foremost potential rivals – the 200cc KTM 200 Duke and 375cc 390 Duke. The upcoming model is also expected to draw competition from Mahindra Two Wheelers’ easy-going single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 295cc naked – the Mojo.
“On the global front, the G 310 R is expected to garner substantial volumes for BMW Motorrad just like how the KTM 125 Duke and 200 Duke models fetched volumes to the KTM brand helping it become the largest selling motorcycle company in Europe,” added an industry expert.
It may be recollected that on April 9, 2013, TVS and BMW had joined hands to collaboratively develop entry-level midsized motorcycles with engine displacements of up to 500cc. Pictured above are Venu Srinivasan, chairman, TVS Motor Company and Stephan Schaller, president, BMW Motorrad, who inked the deal on that day.
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