By Saurav Mehra Yes, TVS is an Indian company. From the humble TVS 50 moped to modern Apache motorcycles and iQube electric scooters, the company has grown into one of India’s most respected automobile manufacturers.
TVS Motor Company is headquartered in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, and is part of the wider TVS business family. It was established by Indian entrepreneurs and remains controlled by Indian promoters, although it operates manufacturing, sales and investment activities in several international markets.
Quick Overview of TVS
| Particular | Details |
| Company Name | TVS Motor Company Limited |
| Group Origin | 1911 |
| TVS Motor Incorporated | 1978 |
| Group Founder | T. V. Sundram Iyengar |
| Country of Origin | India |
| Headquarters | Chennai, Tamil Nadu |
| Company Type | Publicly listed company |
| Parent Company | TVS Holdings Limited |
| Chairman and Managing Director | Sudarshan Venu |
| Chairman Emeritus | Venu Srinivasan |
| Industry | Two-wheelers and three-wheelers |
| Electric Vehicle Brand | TVS iQube |
| Popular Products | Apache, Raider, Jupiter, Ntorq, Ronin and XL100 |
About TVS Motor Company
TVS Motor is an Indian multinational automobile company that manufactures motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, electric scooters and commercial three-wheelers. It is one of India’s leading two-wheeler manufacturers and sells vehicles across numerous international markets.
Its product range serves different categories of customers. The TVS Sport and Radeon are commuter motorcycles, while the Raider, Ronin and Apache models target younger and performance-focused riders.
The Jupiter and Ntorq are popular scooters, while the XL100 is a widely used moped. TVS also competes in India’s electric mobility market through its iQube electric scooter range.
How Did the TVS Group Begin?
The TVS story began in 1911 when T. V. Sundram Iyengar started a bus service in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. He later expanded his business into transportation, automobile distribution and vehicle-related services.
The name TVS comes from the initials of the founder’s name. Over time, the business developed into a large Indian group with interests in automobiles, automotive components, logistics, finance, electronics and vehicle distribution.
Sundaram-Clayton was established in 1962 to manufacture automobile components. The company later created a two-wheeler division and established a factory in Hosur, Tamil Nadu. In 1980, the TVS 50 moped was introduced and became highly popular among Indian customers.
Was TVS Connected with Suzuki?
Yes, TVS previously had a joint venture with Suzuki Motor Corporation of Japan. The partnership helped TVS obtain technology and experience for manufacturing modern motorcycles.
Vehicles carrying names such as TVS-Suzuki were sold in India during the partnership period. However, the joint venture ended in 2001, and Suzuki separated from the business.
After the separation, the Indian company continued independently as TVS Motor Company. Therefore, TVS is not currently owned by Suzuki or any other Japanese automobile manufacturer.
Who Owns TVS Motor?
TVS Motor is a publicly listed Indian company. Its shares are owned by the promoter group, institutional investors and individual shareholders.
TVS Holdings Limited is the company’s main promoter and controlling shareholder. The business continues to be associated with the family of T. V. Sundram Iyengar.
Sudarshan Venu became chairman and managing director of TVS Motor in August 2025. Venu Srinivasan, who played an important role in the company’s transformation and international growth, serves as chairman emeritus.
Foreign investors may hold shares in the company, but its promoter ownership, headquarters and corporate identity remain Indian.
Where Are TVS Vehicles Manufactured?
TVS Motor operates major Indian manufacturing plants in Hosur in Tamil Nadu, Mysuru in Karnataka and Nalagarh in Himachal Pradesh. It also operates an international production facility in Indonesia.
These plants manufacture motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, electric vehicles and three-wheelers for Indian and overseas customers. The company exports its products to markets across Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Middle East and Europe.
Does TVS Own Any Foreign Brands?
TVS Motor owns Norton Motorcycles, a historic British motorcycle brand. It acquired Norton in 2020 to strengthen its presence in the premium motorcycle market.
However, owning a British brand does not make TVS a British company. Norton retains its British heritage, while TVS Motor remains Indian by origin and ownership.
Why Is TVS Considered an Indian Company?
TVS was founded by an Indian entrepreneur, is registered and headquartered in India, and remains controlled by Indian promoters. Its main research, management and manufacturing activities are also strongly based in the country.
Therefore, TVS is an Indian multinational company with an expanding international manufacturing and sales presence.