Historic Italian combustion-engine designer Engines Engineering has been acquired by India’s TVS Motor Company, BMW Motorrad partner pursuing engine-technology independence and global development.
The historic Italian engine design firm Engines Engineering has been acquired by India’s TVS Motor Company, a partner of BMW Motorrad, as the manufacturer seeks full independence in engine technology. TVS plans to turn the Italian company into a global hub for development and design.
Founded in 1979 by engineer Alberto Strazzari, Engines Engineering is based in Castenaso and is a core member of Emilia-Romagna’s famed “Motor Valley,” home to Ferrari, Ducati, and the broader automotive and motorcycle industry around Bologna.
The company’s portfolio includes major projects with international brands. Engines Engineering designed engines for Malaguti and Moto Morini, worked on the revival of the Suzuki Katana built on the GSX-1000F, and developed engines for Mahindra, including a Moto3 prototype that competed successfully for several years. The firm has also contributed to numerous racing efforts in both GP and Superbike series.
TVS has already built a reputation for strategic acquisitions. In 2020, it bought the iconic British motorcycle brand Norton, reviving the company and inheriting its technologies and patents.
TVS Managing Director Sudarshan Venu announced that the Italian unit will host a new “Italian Global Centre of Excellence” focused on advancing engine technologies.
“This new Centre marks an important milestone for TVS as we strengthen our capabilities to redefine mobility,” said Venu. “By combining the creativity and racing expertise of Engines Engineering with our vision and design strength, we aim to deliver innovations for both premium internal combustion and electric vehicles.”
The acquisition gives TVS access to unique tools and expertise in prototyping and testing. Speaking to Indian media, Venu noted that the deal would also accelerate TVS’s research in aerospace applications.
Indian firms buying iconic European brands has become less surprising in recent years. Over the past five years, numerous high-profile deals have taken place. TVS’s Norton purchase followed the British brand’s financial collapse. Tata acquired global truck and commercial vehicle maker Iveco, and in spring 2025 Bajaj rescued Austrian motorcycle manufacturer KTM with an €800 million investment structured as a secured loan. Under the terms, Bajaj will effectively own nearly 100% of KTM by June 2026.
Unlike their Chinese competitors, Indian manufacturers have focused on steady growth, practical motorcycles, and scooters rather than chasing superbikes or MotoGP dominance. Their home market, however, remains closed to foreign brands. To avoid heavy import tariffs, global players must establish local factories. Some have failed—Harley-Davidson, for example, opened a plant with Hero MotoCorp in 2011 but withdrew in 2020 after struggling against domestic rivals.
Hero continues to produce the Mavrick 440 in Nimrana, essentially a rebadged Harley-Davidson X440. Reports suggest Harley-Davidson wants to add the X440 to its European lineup, which could push Hero to discontinue the Mavrick. The Nimrana facility currently produces up to 250 of these motorcycles per day.