Norton expand into China & manufacturing in India
Zongshen Motorcycles will open two exclusive Norton showrooms in Beijing and Shanghai in 2018. Initially stocking the 961 range to include Cafe Racer, Sport, California and Dominator models, to be followed by the V4 RR later in the year.
Norton Commando Cafe Racer
Stuart Garner, Norton CEO & Owner commented, “To enter the Chinese market with a partner the quality of Zongshen is fantastic for Norton. Zongshen have a great knowledge of this market and have the financial size and scale it takes to invest and successfully deliver a strong retail experience for the Norton brand. We look forward to opening the stores in 2018 and developing our distribution throughout China in the future.”
In other news, Motoroyale, Kinetic group’s venture of multi brand superbikes is pleased to announce its new international collaboration with Norton Motorcycles in the form of a joint venture.
Based in Donington Hall factory near London, Norton flies the flag as hand-built, all British motorcycle consisting of charming classic sport and café racer high performance motorcycles. Norton holds the legacy and history of developing motorcycles with 961cc engines with the popular “Commando” and “Dominator” brand names.
Norton has now entered into a joint venture with Kinetic group, a pioneering manufacturer of two wheelers from India with over 45 years of experience since 1972 under Motoroyale.
Norton Commando Cafe Racer
Under this historic international collaboration, the JV will assemble and distribute the Norton bikes not only in India but also throughout Asia including Bangladesh, Bhutan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Brunei Darussalam, Lao Peoples Democratic Republic, Cambodia, Nepal, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam. The bikes are expected to be launched by end of 2018.
Mr. Arun Firodia; Chairman Kinetic Group said, “Kinetic started with an idea which became a pioneering vision for the Indian Auto. Since 1972 Kinetic has been creating automobile revolution in India. Considering the growing superbike market segment in India and across Asia, we started a new initiative called Motoroyale to take forward Kinetic’s legacy in two wheelers. Motoroyale has now signed an exciting JV with Norton motorcycles that have maintained their legacy of being the most charming motorcycles in the world. I believe that it is the accurate time to introduce these bikes to the motorcyclists in India that will create tremendous hype and excitement in the market. In view of Kinetic’s history and heritage in two wheelers, we are very confident of assembling and marketing these marque motorcycles in our plant taking into consideration the development technologies, quality of the products &costcompetitiveness in order to expand its global reach”.
Mr. Stuart Garner; CEO& Owner, Norton Motorcycles added, “Norton has a unique place in motorcycle history.We have been handbuilding gorgeous bikes in England for many years, we are now taking the next big step forward and delighted to form this alliance with the Kinetic group.I believe that the style, passion and beauty of Norton products coupled with the experience of Kinetic will make a winning combination anddeliver a fabulous range of Norton motorcycles across the ASEAN territories.
Norton Commando Cafe Racer
Mr. Ajinkya Firodia; Managing Director – Motoroyale adding, “I envisage Motoroyale to offer the best two wheeler brands across the globe to the Indian market. Having said that, I deem that Norton motorcycle fits the idea exquisitely. We are very excited towards this collaboration gorgeous looking bikes. We shall strive to make an exotic premium brand like Norton to come at a value proposition in order to expand the reach of the motorcycles to true biking enthusiasts. I am in no doubt that these motorcycles will he highly appreciated and welcomed amongst the motorcyclists”
Andreas Leuthe, Business Development Manager for the JV, “Norton is the icon of English motorcycle brands and especially in India Norton will find a large clientele. I believe that this Norton-Kinetic joint venture will not only open the Indian market but also be the gateway to globalization in Asia. When connecting Kinetic with Norton, I was sure that Kinetic is the right partner for Norton to represent Norton’s exclusivity in India as they are specialized on luxury brands. I am looking forward to conquering the Asian market with this joint venture and Norton being an important part of the luxury high-end motorcycle market in Asia in the future.”
