It has been revealed that this is the first time TVS Motor has hired an expat for a CTO or equivalent position. According to sources, the two- and three-wheeler major appointed Bernhard Heiming, a German national, for the role in January.
The appointment of the professional with educational qualifications in electrical engineering, and control systems engineering comes when TVS Motor prepares for some major moves in the era of megatrends like EVs and connected vehicles, as well as expansion in global markets. TVS Motor did not comment on a query about the appointment. The new appointee is seen as successor to Vinay Harne, who has played a key role as President – New Product Development in TVS Motor’s journey to become a two and three wheeler major. Harne, who attained superannuation a few years ago, may continue in an advisory role.
The new appointment comes less than a year after the appointment of former JLR CEO Sir Ralf Speth as Chairman of TVS Motor. TVS Motor has made some major investments in expanding its overseas presence and lined up some for India too. One among them is the INR 1,200 crore investment in home state Tamil Nadu for future technologies and EVs.
The company expects EVs to account for around 35% of the three-wheeler market, and 30% of the scooter market by 2025. Last year, TVS Motor also announced an additional investment of GBP100 million, spread over ‘few years’, in Norton Motorcycles, which it acquired in 2020. According to the company, the investment will be made for electrification, manufacturing, sustainability and the future of mobility.
