TVR

Multipart Supply Chain Solutions (MSCS) has secured a five-year contract to provide worldwide aftermarket parts support to TVR, the exclusive automotive company that's been synonymous with producing some the world's most exhilarating sports cars for some 60 years.

This exciting partnership covers a wide range of logistics services, including warehousing, distribution, inventory management, demand forecasting, product management, sales order processing and order fulfilment. TVR and Multipart are also discussing opportunitues for Multipart to provide line-feed into TVR's forthcoming new production operation.

Chris Gateley, Managing Director of MSCS said: "We are delighted that TVR has chosen Multipart as its partner to service the aftermarket. We will be working to effect service improvements for its customers, enhancing the value associated with this very prestigious brand."

"The broad range of skills and disciplines that we bring will help TVR to provide a quality service to its dealers and customers, strengthening the TVR brand and preparing the ground for production of these wonderful sports cars to recommence," said Gateley.

David Oxley, TVR's Managing Director said: "Multipart has a proven track-record in the automotive aftermarket, and they have an excellent understanding of our business. They have worked closely with us during these changing times, and their responsiveness and expertise have provided us with the confidence that they are the right partner for TVR."

Visit the Multipart website.

The assets of Blackpool Automotive, the former production division of TVR, have been re-acquired by TVR owner Nikolai Smolenski after it went into administration at the end of last year. The acquisition secures the marque's trademarks and intellectual property rights, which were tied up in the company.

Production of the famous sports cars can now resume as planned at a more sophisticated plant in Europe. The move will enable TVR to increase its volumes and to achieve type approvals for global markets.

Some essential component manufacturing will remain in the UK, including the engines and drivetrains being developed by specialist partner Ricardo. The design team and office personnel will also remain in the country in a new headquarters, which will in time also house some production and servicing facilities.

The consolidated range of current TVRs, now comprising the Sagaris, Tuscan S and Tuscan S convertible, will be joined by the Typhoon, a 600 bhp supercharged supercar set to be unveiled later in the year. Orders for the current models are still being taken by the network of authorised dealers.

Following TVR's announcement in October that it was to discontinue in-house production of its cars in favour of outsourcing, the company sold off its manufacturing division, Blackpool Automotive, which has subsequently been put into administration by its new shareholders.

Although it is unfortunate that Blackpool Automotive has gone into administration, TVR and its parent company remain in operation. Normal business continues for the prestige sports car company and its network of authorised dealers and service centres throughout the UK and abroad. The supply of parts also remain unaffected.

David Oxley, TVR's managing director, said: "It is unfortunate that production could not continue as it had done for so many years, but it is time for TVR to move on and to meet increasing international demands. Our plans include appointing expert partners and outsourcing to more advanced facilities, which will ultimately mean a better product for everyone, both here in the domestic market and internationally."

TVR Power, supplier of parts and spares to TVR dealers and owners for some 20 years, has been bought from TVR in a management buy-out.

Under the new contract, TVR Power will be the sole distributor of official TVR components to the authorised dealer network in the UK and Ireland, and will supply parts for the existing model range and all models produced in the past ten years. TVR Power carries an extensive range of spares supplied direct by the original equipment manufacturers.

Operating from its own facility in Longford, Coventry, TVR Power was previously a subsidiary of TVR but has been bought by company director Dom Trickett. The new owner commented: "I am delighted we will be able to continue supplying original parts for TVRs as we have done for many years. The team at TVR Power loves TVRs, just like the owners."

Trickett continued: "This deal will bring peace-of-mind to all TVR owners and will secure the future of our company. Under this contract, the owners can be confident that they will be able to get the spares they need from their dealers."

David Oxley, TVR managing director, added: "We are very pleased to have helped secure the supply of original TVR parts for existing models. Dom and his team have supplied a fantastic service over many years and we are sure they will continue to help TVR owners keep their cars in top condition."

TVR Power can be contacted on 024 7636 6177, or more information can be found by visiting the TVR Power website.

Accidents do happen, and when they do, it is reassuring to be in the best possible hands. Being involved in an accident can be very distressing and hugely time-consuming to resolve.

TVR Accident Management has been established to provide a complete specialist service that ensures TVR owners involved in an accident will be back on the road with the minimum of inconvenience. The team can arrange a replacement vehicle and repair of the damaged vehicle, and can act in pursuing reimbursement from a third-party insurer.

Any innocent party involved in an accident is entitled by law not to be disadvantaged as a result of the accident. And drivers of prestige vehicles have the right to expect the use of a similar make and model whilst their own vehicle is undergoing repairs. In these cases, TVR Accident Management can arrange a replacement TVR and also manage delivery and collection of the damaged vehicle at commencement and completion of the repair work.

TVR Accident Management can also arrange for repair works to be carried out at a TVR-approved repair centre, ensuring that the warranty is not invalidated, that the work is undertaken by a properly trained and approved centre, that genuine original equipment replacement parts are used and that the value of the vehicle is preserved.

In the event of an accident or emergency, TVR Accident Management is ready to provide immediate assistance anywhere in the UK. TVR Accident Management can be telephoned on 0845 146 1640.

"It's still here, and it's more enjoyable than ever," begins Richard Meaden in his review in this month's Evo of TVR's revised Sagaris. And according to Meaden, it's the improved attention-to-detail that makes all the difference. Meaden writes:

"It was with a sense of resigned sadness that we absorbed the news of TVR's closure. The writing had been on the wall for some months, we said. Job losses, management changes, falling sales and a mysterious owner with uncertain motives all pointed to a sad but inevitable end to Britain's most exciting and nonconformist car maker.

"Then we had more news. Apparently TVR's death had been greatly exaggerated, and though production at the factory in Blackpool had ceased, the company would live on, with production shifted to Italy and engines developed by a highly regarded British specialist to comply with Euro V legislation. While still extremely sad for those facing redundancy in Blackpool, solace could be taken from the bigger picture: TVR would live on.

"By sheer coincidence, in the midst of this tumult we had a Sagaris booked in for assessment. At first we thought it would be cancelled, but no, the car would be delivered so that we could see the direction in which TVR was heading. And no, it wasn't sideways for the nearest apex.

"In the old says, a revised TVR usually meant a faster, louder, meaner TVR. As a diversionary tactic it generally worked a treat, for you'd never hear a loyal TVR customer complain about more power for fear of his sexuality being drawn into question. However, newcomers to the brand, those vital 'conquest' customers used to the quirk-free functionality of Porches and BMWs, were finding TVR's flaky finishing and wonky ergonomics as off-putting as the performance was overwhelming.

"So, instead of reporting on a sexier, more savage Sagaris, I'm here to tell you about things like washer jets fixed to the scuttle instead of floppy rubber tubes lashed to the windscreen wipers; supportive Sparco seats that don't wobble during hard acceleration, braking or cornering; new floor-hinged pedals made with a curve so that you don't have to overextend your ankles to fully depress the clutch or accelerator; tailgate glass with a beautiful alloy latch instead of a recess designed solely to pinch your fingers; rear-exiting exhausts that spit and pop but don't resonate; and bodywork that doesn't act as a trap for every leaf, granite chipping and errant cigarette butt. The list goes on.

"Do people buy a TVR for its ergonomics? Of course not. But doubtless there are those who don't buy a TVR because of its ergonomics. It's this line of argument that the new management is applying. It's all very un-TVR, but addressing long-standing quality, comfort, ergonomics and functionality issues are what the cars - and many of the customers - have been crying out for.

"Naturally, a TVR wouldn't be a TVR without blood and thunder performance, something the Sagaris remains eminently capable of delivering. The familiar straight-six is as guttural as ever, and while the 400 Blackpudlian horses feel slightly smaller than their Bavarian counterparts, the Sagaris is still a formidable tool to work with on typical British A- and B-roads. The chassis, without doubt TVR's best to date, is quick-witted but more forgiving than you'd think, and while you need your wits about you to compensate for the lack of ABS, traction control and other modern accouterments, it's a pure, challenging and invigorating experience. Business as usual, then.

"Improving but not sanitising the product is a fine line to tread, for quirkiness is a definite TVR trademark. However, if our experience of the subtly but effectively revised Sagaris is anything to go by, polishing out a few flaws frees you up to enjoy the driving even more."

Evo rating: 4.5 out of 5

Richard Meaden, Evo

TVR, one of Britain's longest established independent sports car manufacturers, is to outsource the assembly of its cars to a sophisticated production operation in Europe, whilst production of its engines, clutches, gearboxes and other essential components are expected to remain in Britain.

The management, sales, marketing and research and development teams are expected to remain in the region in which the company was founded in 1947, and dealerships, service centres and general operations will remain unaffected.

The move will, however, mean the closure of the company's well-known Bristol Avenue plant and the loss of many production roles. TVR has been based at its historic factory in Blackpool since the 1970s.

TVR owner Nikolai Smolenski said: "We are extremely sorry that, after a period of uncertainty and raised hopes that we could continue production ourselves in Blackpool, we have had to make this difficult decision. We need to secure the future of the company and move it forward, and I am afraid we see no other way to do this."

Consultation is underway with the Transport and General Workers' Union on redundancy, and counseling support is being put in place. Smolenski added: "We are acutely aware of the shock and distress this will cause for our staff and their families. We will ensure that we meet all of our responsibilities towards them over the coming months. We would also like to express our gratitude to all those who have worked with us over the past months to try to maintain the company in Blackpool."

The new state-of-the-art production facility will enable TVR to increase its volumes and to achieve important type approvals necessary for international markets, as well as to further its programme of continuous quality improvements.

TVR is also in advanced discussions with third-party automotive specialists Ricardo and Sparco, as part of the company's ongoing product advancement strategy. Ricardo is a UK-based provider of automotive engineering solutions, specialising in the development of engines, drivelines and transmission systems. Sparco is a leading manufacturer of racing and automotive accessories, in particular race seats and other motorsport equipment.

"These are important steps for TVR," continued Smolenski. "We shall be making further announcements in due course about our plans, which we believe represent a major advance for the proud name of TVR, but for the time being we are concentrating on our staff in Blackpool and the consultation process."

The relocation will be managed carefully to minimise disruption and to ensure that customers' orders are unaffected. TVR's dedicated network of dealers and service centres throughout the UK and abroad will continue to operate as normal.

TVR remains committed to producing some of the most exhilarating premium performance cars, something it has done for some 60 years and which it's looking forward to continuing well into the future.

For most of this year, TVR's factory engineers have been working in close conjunction with Bilstein, leading handling experts, to develop replacement dampers for the TVR aftermarket.

The new dampers offer a direct replacement for the original equipment units in all Cerbera, Tamora, Tuscan and T350 models, and have been tuned to work with existing springs and anti-roll bars. They provide improved ride and handling, as well as better durability.

The new Bilstein dampers are available only through TVR Power and all official dealers and service centres. Bilstein has also been working with TVR on its current model line-up.

Staff at TVR's Blackpool factory have been informed today that the company is planning to outsource its production.

Agreements are being finalised for the 2007 production run to be undertaken in Europe, whilst fully built powertrains - straight-six, four-litre TVR engines including clutch and gearbox - are due to be produced in the UK.

TVR owner Nikolai Smolenski said: "We are extremely sorry that, after a period of uncertainty and raised hopes that we could continue production ourselves in Blackpool, we have had to make this decision. We need to secure the future of the company and move it forward. I am afraid we see no other way to do so."

Consultation has begun with staff and the Transport and General Workers' Union on redundancy, and counselling support is being put in place.

TVR plans to continue with all current arrangements for the supply of cars and parts. Discussions are being held with key suppliers about future relationships.

Smolenski continued: "We are acutely aware of the shock and distress this will cause for our staff and their families. We will ensure that we meet all our responsibilities towards them over the coming months. We would also like to express our gratitude to all those who have worked with us over the past months to try to maintain the company in Blackpool.

TVR will be making further announcements in due course about its plans, which it believes represent a major advance for the proud name of TVR. For the time being, however, TVR is concentrating on its staff in Blackpool and the consultation process.

The unprecedented live online auction of the last ever TVR Cerbera, which was brought back into production especially for the occasion and was specified personally by TVR's chairman, ended successfully on 31 August.

Although the reserve price was not met, TVR has chosen to allow this historic car to go to the highest bidder. TVR is pleased that the event was an all-round success, with far more interest, registrations and bids than it had anticipated; the online auction received almost one-million hits during the month that it was live.

The winning bidder speaking today said: "I'm a big fan of TVR, and it's always been an ambition of mine to own a Cerbera. This is a beautiful and momentous example of the car, and it's going to a good home - I intend to treasure it forever and never to sell it." The winner will be announced officially soon, and a handover and press day will take place.

The official website - www.thelastcerbera.com - will remain online indefinitely, catering for the marque's massive worldwide fan-base and serving to commemorate the occasion. A limited-edition catalogue is available to purchase through the website.

TVR has become aware of TVR North America LLC, a company incorporated in the State of Delaware, USA, and would like to clarify that it is not connected in any way to this company, that the company does not act with TVR's authority and that TVR is not in any way responsible for the company's activities.

If you are based in the USA and have an enquiry about TVR, please contact David Oxley, the company's managing director.

Registration for the live online auction of the last TVR Cerbera draws to a close on Wednesday, and only a few places remain to be snapped up. This is a momentous automotive event, and one not to be missed by TVR fans and car enthusiasts alike.

Those who register not only gain access to watch the auction, and to join in if they wish, but they also receive a special, limited-edition brochure and poster. These are short-run collectors' items available exclusively by registering.

The auction itself closes next week, but the last opportunity to register will be at midnight on Wednesday 23 August.

To register or for further information, visit www.thelastcerbera.com.

In true TVR style, the live online auction of the last TVR Cerbera got off to a lightning-quick start last week. Within the first week of bidding, some 46 bids were placed, almost half of which happened within the auction's opening hours. The live bidding can be watched by accessing the auction at www.thelastcerbera.com.

Access to the auction is restricted to those who've registered, and there aren't many of the limited places left. As well as gaining access to watch and the right to participate in the auction, registrants also receive a copy of the specially commissioned limited-edition full-colour brochure and poster. Those intending to register should do so now before they miss the opportunity; places are running out and registration closes soon.

Last registrations can be taken at midnight on Wednesday 23 August, whilst the auction itself ends at midnight on Thursday 31 August. It is expected to be an exciting couple of weeks building up to the auction's edge-of-the-seat conclusion.

The last Cerbera is being displayed at authorised TVR dealer Ciceley Continental in Preston - www.tvrpreston.co.uk - and visitors are welcome to inspect the car. Further information, the registration form and the auction itself are all online at www.thelastcerbera.com.

All proceeds that exceed the reserve price will be donated to charity.

According to the organisers, IMIE, The British International Motor Show attracted some 420,000 visitors to the ExCeL centre in London's Docklands during the show's ten-day run.

TVR's presence at the show was very popular and drew a lot of attention, with visitors queuing almost constantly throughout the entire event just to get a glimpse of the stunning Tuscan S, Tuscan convertible, and the right- and left-hand drive Sagaris. TVR was presenting its latest specification revisions for its 2007 models.

Amongst the improvements now standard on all models are: upgraded 18 inch alloy wheels, with 19 inch alloys an option; superb leather-trimmed Sparco sports seats; upgraded Alpine stereo systems; improved interior trim materials; and various general quality and component improvements. Applying only to the Sagaris are a revised, conventionally hinged bonnet, air conditioning now as standard and an optional rear exiting exhaust system.

These modifications and the impeccable standard of the cars on display were met with resounding plaudits from visitors and press alike, and were a strong indication of the company's positive progress. Also on display and attracting the crowds were the now legendary Cerbera Speed 12 and David Coulthard's AJPV8-powered Formula 3000 race car.

Some 20,000 posters were given away during the show and there were thousands of enquiries for brochures, price lists and test drives. TVR is pleased to have raised £2,500 for the automotive employees' benevolence fund Ben, a donation beaten only by one other manufacturer.

Those who missed the show and would like to see the current model line-up should visit their nearest authorised dealer.

TVR and Blackpool Council have today agreed a site for TVR's new factory. The nine-acre site, which is in the Blackpool Business Park close to Blackpool Airport, has been secured by TVR for the development of a state-of-the-art facility, confirming the company's commitment to remaining in the area and to retaining its local workforce.

"This is an important step for TVR, but there is still a lot to do towards the move," commented David Oxley, TVR managing director. "Relevant consents and planning permissions need to be obtained first and contractors' proposals tendered, so we expect it to take at least 18 months to complete the project." In the meantime, however, TVR will continue with its interim relocation strategy, announced recently, to ensure that production and services are uninterrupted and customers are unaffected.

Nikolai Smolenski, chairman of TVR said: "Blackpool is and has been historically a very important location for the British automotive industry. Both Jaguar and TVR were founded here, so I am glad to secure the future of TVR in Blackpool."

Blackpool Council is very pleased that TVR has decided to stay in Blackpool. Alan Cavill, Head of Corporate Policy and Development for Blackpool Council attended the British International Motor Show and said: "We look forward to continuing to work with TVR to deliver their future plans, and I'm sure the company will go from strength to strength. I was delighted to help in bringing about this decision to retain TVR in Blackpool, both for the company's future benefit and for the employees and residents of Blackpool."

Blackpool Business Park is a 75-acre site at the end of the M55 and adjacent to Blackpool Airport. It is home to 30 companies employing over 2,500 staff.

The fearsome TVR Cerbera 4.5 is making a one-off comeback in a live online auction of the last ever example of the car. The auction launched today and will close at midnight on 31 August 2006. All proceeds that exceed the reserve price will be donated to a charity, to be named in due course.

Since the Cerbera broke cover in 1994, it has become an iconic British sports car, its suave shape standing the test of time to become a true classic. One would never guess the ferocious power that lurks beneath the Cerbera's gentlemanly exterior.

The TVR Cerbera is a car with a dual role: on the one hand it's an extremely competent 2+2 grand tourer that can be used on any journey, through towns or across countries; on the other hand, it boasts the break-neck performance for which it's both famous and feared. TVR's own 4.5 litre AJPV8 rockets the lightweight Cerbera from naught to 60 mph in under four seconds, and is one of the most revered sports car engines.

Production of the Cerbera was discontinued officially in 2004. But this year, the last Cerbera was commissioned and specified personally by TVR's owner and chairman, Nikolai Smolenski, bringing the car out of retirement for one last time in TVR's true tradition of producing one-off 'specials', and paying homage to this beautiful but brutish bygone British sports car.

For further information, to watch the online auction or to join in, please visit the specially-commissioned last Cerbera microsite. All registrants will gain access to the live auction, either to simply watch or to bid, and will receive regular e-mail updates, a limited-edition full-colour 40-page catalogue and an A2 poster, all commemorating the event and celebrating this very special British sports car.

TVR, the Blackpool-based sports car manufacturer, has today announced that it has signed a Heads of Agreement with UK specialist engineering company, Ricardo plc, to develop the TVR Speed Six engine to Euro V (LEV II) compliance.

This level of emissions certification, achieved over an 18-month programme, confirms TVR's commitment to expanding its markets internationally with all necessary type-approval standards.

Ricardo is one of the world's leading powertrain, driveline and transmission technology providers. Combining business, product and process strategy with fundamental technical research and the implementation of large-scale new product development programmes, Ricardo is able to take on the greatest challenges in the industry, including engine, transmission and driveline design, engineering, testing and systems integration.

Nikolai Smolenski, the chairman and owner of TVR said: "My intention to expand the sales and distribution of TVR cars throughout Europe, the USA and markets throughout the rest of the world is a key part of the business strategy of the company. Our alliance with Ricardo allows us to advance our technical capabilities to achieve our aims at an accelerated rate."

"We are delighted to support TVR with their development," said Dave Shemmans, CEO of Ricardo plc, "and we are looking forward to bringing the very best of Ricardo engineering to such an exciting brand and product range."

Since TVR announced its relocation plans last month, the company has experienced an upsurge in confidence in the TVR brand. The authorised TVR dealer network is also reporting an increase in both enquiries and sales.

In order to satisfy this growing demand and to cope with the company's ongoing expansion plans, TVR has announced that it will be reinstating the workers that it temporarily laid off earlier this year.

Throughout the lay-off period, TVR has been consulting the TGWU (Transport and General Workers' Union), which has welcomed the news and sees this as a highly satisfactory conclusion. Andy Robertson of the TGWU said he is now looking forward to the secure future of his members and confirms the union will work closely with the company to achieve a successful future.

Following TVR owner Nikolai Smolenski's recent interviews with Evo magazine and The Sun newspaper, in which Smolenski stated his ongoing commitment to TVR and his ambitions for it, he wishes to reconfirm today that he remains focused on the company and on making it a global success.

Amidst rumours that the company may have been sold, Smolenski denies categorically that this is the case, and also that there are any plans or negotiations underway for the company's sale.

Smolenski and the company wish to extend their invitation to all owners, enthusiasts, fans and followers of the marque to visit them on the TVR stand at the British International Motor Show, which will run at ExCeL, London, from Thursday 20 July until Sunday 30 July.