Automotive Independence Day Celebration: Highlighting 5 Joint Indo-British Projects in the Global Car Industry

In a remarkable turn of events, India has emerged as a key player in the revival and growth of some of the world's most iconic motorcycling and automotive brands.

The partnership between Triumph and Bajaj Auto, two giants in their respective industries, has resulted in the successful launch of the Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X. These motorcycles have attracted 50,000 buyers in their debut year, signifying India's standing as an equal partner with global brands. The alliance combines Bajaj's manufacturing excellence with Triumph's 122-year legacy, creating a unique blend of tradition and innovation.

The Triumph-Bajaj alliance is not the only instance of such collaborations. Indian companies have been instrumental in nurturing, reviving, and positioning British marques for future glory. Brands like Norton Motorcycles, Royal Enfield, and Jaguar Land Rover have all benefited from Indian investment and expertise.

Royal Enfield, a British motorcycle brand, was acquired by Eicher Motors in 1994. Today, the current iteration of the Royal Enfield Classic 350 embodies Indian motorcycling culture and has become one of India's most valuable brands worldwide.

Norton Motorcycles, another British motorcycle manufacturer, was acquired by TVS Motor Company in 2020 to prevent bankruptcy. A new range of single-cylinder engines is being developed in collaboration with TVS Motor Company for Norton Motorcycles. The new Norton V4, a premium motorcycle, is production-ready and will be revealed at the EICMA show in November.

Jaguar Land Rover, a British automotive giant, was saved from irrelevance by Tata Motors in 2008. Nine years earlier, Ford Motor Company had turned down Tata's offer to purchase its car business in 1999. Since then, Jaguar Land Rover has been on the road to recovery, designing and developing its own engines called "Ingenium," with both petrol and diesel variants that satisfy current emissions norms.

The success of Tata Motors and Jaguar Land Rover illustrates India's evolution from being a market for foreign brands to becoming the steward of global legends. The BSA Gold Star 650, a motorcycle produced by BSA, was saved from bankruptcy by Classic Legends, a subsidiary of Mahindra & Mahindra, in 2016. The BSA Gold Star 650 was launched in the UK in 2024 and in India later, retaining an old-school feel while incorporating modern technology.

These partnerships and acquisitions serve as a reminder that economic sovereignty and the confidence to transform global treasures are essential components of true freedom. They also underline the growing influence of India in the global automotive and motorcycling landscape. As we look to the future, it is clear that India will continue to play a crucial role in shaping the future of these iconic brands.

Automotive Independence Day Celebration: Highlighting 5 Joint Indo-British Projects in the Global Car Industry