TVR taps Bertone in Italy to build lineup?
A new Autocar item is saying that the next-generation of TVRs will be built by Bertone in Italy, using Ricardo-produced engines. This comes on the heels of reports that the tiny manufacturer was leaving the UK. And that announcement followed the initial declaration that the firm would remain British. Nikolai Smolenski made the announcement yesterday that the current factory in Blackpool would be shut down. French and Russian plants have been rumored as potential sites, but Autocar's sources believe that Italian coachbuilder Bertone will be used to produce the '07 Sagaris, Tuscan and Tuscan convertible in Turin.
According to TVR, drivetrain production will remain in the UK. Autocar supposes that Ricardo will build a production line to supply new Euro IV emissions compatible motors. Ricardo is already working on bringing the TVR engines up to those standards, so going one step further and actually building them for TVR makes sense. Still, the fact that another British marque has left the island must sting the monarchy just a bit.
[Source: Autocar]
Thanks for the tip, Dino!
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Tiago do Vale 7:47PM (10/19/2006)
This is good news! Bertone needed this (just hope it doesn't damage the Fulvia project), and TVR keeps going, in a good plant with good engines. Hope it's true!
Reply
naggs 1:39AM (10/20/2006)
TVR will always be associated with britain. if its not built in blackpool its not a TVR. it was pretty dum for Nikolai to turn his back on his customer base by moving out of england, a lot of people who would have bought another one wont because its not british.
Reply
Anthony Blore 3:44AM (10/20/2006)
I am probably well wide of the mark here but I fail to see how an Italian coach builder can build these things cheaper than a load of blokes in Blackpool.
Reply
Disco Stu 8:37AM (10/20/2006)
This is so wrong. TVR was cool because it was British. I think the new owner was trying to compete with the relatively trouble-free sportscars from Germany. That's not what TVR's are about. Everyone knows they can be a bit 'temperamental', in the same way an Alfa Romeo might be. It's part of their character and appeal.
Reply
felonious monk 3:53PM (10/20/2006)
I think it's a good move. Bertone has the know-how to build high quality products, which is percisely why it's a good move. TVRs aren't known for build quality. So far their only claim to fame is controversial styling and raw performance. It's quite obvious that Nikolai trying to move TVR products upwards. He isn't concerned about cost of production per unit. Those additional costs can always be passed on to the customer. And as long as price matches quality, he won't have any trouble finding customers.
We're talking about exotic and semi-exotic cars here people, not cars for the average joe - something TVR never was.
Reply
Ebm14 5:06PM (10/20/2006)
The Russian CEO is very smart to use help from the Italians. He should also try having it built in Graz Austria, where BMW, SAAB, and Mercedes all build their cars
at this sub-contracted, facility. I just forgot the name of the place. Stry something???
Reply
Spectacular Bid 6:36PM (10/27/2006)
Just my view but I suspect truly moving all production out of England, without very significant improvements in quality, will cause such a backlash that the company might cease to survive.
If the build quality jumps way up, then that might allow TVR to retain its crucial sales base. Sure the cars are sold globally, but it lives and dies on British consumers. Also all of the very pro-TVR writeups in the auto magazines seem to be rooted in large part because it's British made.
The cars I doubt will ever make it to US shores again as-is, they are just too crudely made. Even the largely South African-built Nobles are having a tough time finding US buyers and they are made far better with fit and finish.
Even the well known de Tomaso was eventually liquidated (in 2004) despite their global name and best attempts to produce sports cars. The final straw being an association with Russian truck maker UAZ. Hmmm ...
Reply
John Bryans Fontaine 3:50PM (11/26/2006)
Dear TVR:
I hope that you are back in business. A humble suggestion:
NO WEIRD HEADLIGHTS, OKAY???
Many of your cars ( including the one above ) look as though they were designed by the artist Roger Dean. Though in fairness, his 'Yes' album covers as well as his books were fantastic.
Reply