TVR Moves to Italy and Shacks Up with Bertone

The firm's boss Nikolai Smolenski announced on Wednesday that despite previous assurances that the brand would remain British, he was closing the current factory in Blackpool and moving production to 'elsewhere in Europe'. France and Russia have been mooted as potential sites, but Autocar's sources insist that the Russian tycoon has struck a deal to use Italian coachbuilder Bertone to assemble the 2007 model Sagaris, Tuscan and Tuscan convertible in Turin.

TVR stated that its drivetrain production would remain in the UK, and Autocar understands that engineering firm Ricardo - which is already working on bringing TVR's own engines up to Euro IV emissions standards - is to install a production line to supply the new-spec motors, and offer its own warranty to buyers.

The new structure could prove an astute move by Smolenski, who is keen for TVR to quickly strengthen its engineering and built quality credentials. Little of the current equipment at Blackpool is expected to be used in the new factory, potentially allowing Smolenski to restart production quickly, and in time for the 2007 model year.




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Autoegr525 - 10/20/2006 11:44:13 AM

+1 Boost

Bring them to the US I want a Sagaris

aalza3eem - 10/20/2006 12:03:31 PM

+1 Boost

TVRs may just be worth buying after this move...

tecnopolis - 10/20/2006 1:58:08 PM

+1 Boost

Great news for BERTONE!

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 10/21/2006 3:56:42 PM

+1 Boost

Nothing wrong with TVR's Build Quality Its Very Advanced for such a Light Vehicle.

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 10/21/2006 3:58:29 PM

+1 Boost

WATCH THIS

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTjkhyevpLA

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 10/21/2006 4:34:04 PM

+2 Boost

But thats the whole point of a TVR

T V R
TERMINAL VELOCITY REACHED :-))

Matthew1 - 10/21/2006 12:21:44 AM

+1 Boost

MDalle,

Do you consider Bertone to be farmers working with hay and gum?

Yes, TVR's are made using cave-man technology in a dirty old barn, but this new move to Italy will change that.

austintyson - 10/23/2006 1:56:25 AM

+1 Boost

Car looks like a blast to drive like you stoled it.. but also looks like if you did you will be wishing someone would steal it.. Not sure how long it would last if you drove it that way everyday.. but as far as I know its never goig to make it to these shores and even if it did the only thing I might be willing to do is test drive it. Unless I win the lottery