Made in Britain : Every Independence Day brings with it a moment of reflection – a chance to look back at how far we’ve come as a nation. Beyond the tricolour flying high and the patriotic spirit in the air, there are stories that beautifully capture India’s rise from a once-colonised land to a global force of innovation and enterprise. One such story lies in how Indian companies have breathed new life into legendary British brands that once symbolised industrial might during the colonial era.
From luxury cars to retro motorcycles, these brands have not only survived under Indian stewardship but have been transformed into global success stories. As we celebrate our 79th Independence Day, here’s a look at how five legendary British names are now proudly thriving under the Indian flag.
BSA: A Phoenix Rising from Birmingham
Once the world’s largest motorcycle maker, Birmingham Small Arms Company (BSA) was a household name until financial losses brought production to a sudden halt in 1973. For decades, the name seemed destined to fade into history. But in 2016, Classic Legends, a Mahindra & Mahindra subsidiary, stepped in and acquired the iconic brand.
Eight years later, the BSA Gold Star 650 roared back to life. First launched in the UK and then in India in 2024, the bike beautifully balances heritage and modernity. With its authentic retro feel, a robust 650 cc engine developed in collaboration with the Technical University of Graz, and the absence of fancy electronic aids, the Gold Star offers something rare in today’s world – a pure, old-school motorcycling experience.
Norton: The Resurgence of Another Birmingham Giant
For Norton Motorcycles, the road to survival was anything but smooth. Founded in 1898, the brand was on the verge of collapse when TVS Motor Company stepped in during 2020 and took charge of its revival. What once seemed like the end of the road has now transformed into an inspiring story of rebirth.
TVS has already begun developing an all-new range of single-cylinder motorcycles for Norton, aiming to make the brand accessible to a wider audience. At the same time, its halo product – the new Norton V4 – is ready for production and will soon hit roads as a premium machine built for enthusiasts. This revival not only saves a piece of motorcycling history but also shows how an Indian company can guide a legendary global brand toward its next chapter.
Royal Enfield: The Crown Jewel Success Story
No story captures India’s transformation quite like that of Royal Enfield. When Eicher Motors took over the struggling British marque in 1994, very few believed it could make a comeback. But today, Royal Enfield is not just surviving – it’s thriving as one of the most valuable motorcycle brands in the world.
The Classic 350 remains the heartbeat of Indian motorcycling culture, a blend of aspiration and tradition. More than just a motorcycle, Royal Enfield has become an emotion for millions, embodying India’s ability to preserve heritage while setting global benchmarks.
Triumph: A Partnership of Equals
Unlike other acquisitions, Triumph’s story in India is one of partnership. Bajaj Auto joined hands with the legendary British brand to co-develop a new range of mid-capacity motorcycles. The results have been nothing short of extraordinary.
The Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X together attracted more than 50,000 buyers in their very first year. This partnership has not only delivered world-class motorcycles at affordable prices but has also redefined India’s position on the global map – not as a follower, but as an equal collaborator in shaping the future of motorcycling.
Tata Motors: The Payback Story with Jaguar Land Rover
Perhaps the most iconic turnaround story belongs to Tata Motors and its acquisition of Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) in 2008. The irony was striking – Ford, which once dismissed Tata’s interest in its car business, ended up selling Jaguar and Land Rover to Tata for $2.3 billion in cash.
The timing wasn’t easy, with the global financial crisis casting a shadow. But under Ratan Tata’s visionary leadership, JLR not only survived but thrived. With improved liquidity, tighter cost control, and innovative new products, JLR has successfully reinvented itself. The Ingenium family of engines – both petrol and diesel – stands as proof of how far the brand has come under Indian ownership.
A New Chapter in India’s Journey
These stories are more than just tales of acquisitions; they are reflections of India’s evolution. Once a market for foreign products, India is now the steward of global icons, capable of nurturing them back to glory.
As we celebrate our Independence Day, these success stories remind us that freedom is not just about political sovereignty but also about economic confidence – the ability to acquire, transform, and safeguard global treasures for generations to come.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and editorial purposes only. The details provided are based on publicly available information about the mentioned companies and brands.