Sudarshan Venu’s bold pivot: TVS Motors’ young MD is transforming the two-wheeler giant into an EV powerhouse

Sudarshan Venu, the 36-year-old TVS family scion, who took over the reins of TVS Motor Company as MD in 2022, will take over as chairman effective from August 25. Appointed joint MD in 2014 to work under the guidance of his father Venu Srinivasan, Sudarshan has focussed on strengthening TVS Motor’s premium product portfolio, building the international business, and fast-tracking electrification. It has emerged as India’s largest electric two-wheeler maker in the first five months of 2025, overtaking rivals such as Bajaj Auto and Ola Electric. “Electrification is at the core of our investments and pivot towards the future. To build capabilities, we invested early during the EV transition,” he said during an earlier interaction with Fortune India. “There is going to be a time where we have to wait for volume growth, till there is parity in profitability in EVs, compared to ICEs (internal combustion engines).” His bet on premium motorcycles has also paid off. TVS accounts for the highest share of sales in the 150–200cc premium motorbike segment, thanks to its Apache series. About half of its two-wheeler sales came from motorcycles. “There is increasing premiumisation with the rise of affluent customers in India and other emerging markets,” Sudarshan had said. “People want features, connectivity, power, Bluetooth helmets. That’s something we are focussed on. A lot of software for EVs is done in-house.” On the global front, TVS Motor has a robust business in emerging markets, particularly in South Asia, parts of Africa and Latin America. But that doesn’t mean it has no plans for the developed markets. Under Sudarshan’s leadership, TVS has started taking small steps in Europe. “It is a big two-wheeler and premium market... we have more EVs and premium vehicles, and, with the launch of the Norton, you will start seeing more action from us in Europe,” he had said. TVS bought Britain’s luxury motorbike maker Norton Motorcycles for ₹153 crore in 2020, and spent around ₹1,200 crore to revive it. Fortune India is now on WhatsApp! Get the latest updates from the world of business and economy delivered straight to your phone. Subscribe now.

Sudarshan Venu’s bold pivot: TVS Motors’ young MD is transforming the two-wheeler giant into an EV powerhouse

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