BMW Motorrad and the TVS Motor Company have signed a long-term cooperation agreement for the purpose of joining forces to develop and produce motorcycles in the segment below 500cc.

The various stages through to the finished serial production motorcycle will be planned by both partners but implemented with different focus areas on each side leveraging the strengths of both companies.

Stephan Schaller, President BMW Motorrad, said, "In view of changing motorcycle markets, demographic developments and increasing environmental demands we are expanding our product range so as to tap into fresh growth potential. We have a highly expert and experienced partner in the TVS Motor Company. This means that in future we will be able to offer vehicles in smaller capacity classes in addition to the BMW Motorrad core segments."

He continued to add, "Various types of motorcycle are conceivable. They will meet the expectations of a BMW motorcycle in terms of riding fun as well as setting a new benchmark when it comes to stability, agility and performance figures. I regard this long-term cooperation as an important step along the road to profitable, sustainable growth."

The cooperation partner TVS Motor Company is one of the largest motorcycle manufacturers in India with an annual production volume of some 2 million units and a turnover of more than one billion USD. TVS Motor Company is the flagship company of the 100-year old six billion USD TVS Group, which has some 40 companies and holdings in the automotive sector.