BMW's New Indian Connection

What's going on at BMW Motorrad? First, it sold off Husqvarna. Now it has entered into a strategic partnership with TVS Motor Co. Ltd. of India to jointly develop and build a new range of motorcycles in the sub-500cc segment, with each company offering its own vehicle derivatives through respective distribution channels in India and across the globe, including the U.S. "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," said Stephan Schaller, president of BMW Motorrad.

The first fruits of this venture, which will help BMW establish a foothold in the huge Indian market, are expected by around 2015. No word yet on what a small new BMW headed to the U.S. might be, but the bosses back in Munich are no doubt aware of the sales success of the Honda CBR250R and Kawasaki Ninja 300. And they'll also be paying close attention to the 2014 KTM 390 Duke, built by Bajaj in India.