New Norton confusion
In the June 9 issue of MCN, we wrote that Norton Motorcycle Co. Ltd (the new firm formed after the acquisition of specific Norton assets by Indian giant TVS Motor Company) had offered owners of first-generation V4SS models built by the previous Norton business a discount on a new, heavily revised model. Further to this announcement from the firm, Norton Motorcycle Co. Ltd later confirmed to MCN that they would actually offer first-generation V4SS customers a straight swap, with the new company taking the old bikes, then replacing them with new ones and dealing direct with the old Norton firm’s liquidators to recover their costs. Unfortunately, even though this information was provided in a written statement to MCN from Norton’s official spokesperson, the firm have since retracted the statement and confirmed to MCN that the information they provided was inaccurate. The person responsible for releasing the inaccurate information has now left the business. Although MCN acted in good faith by reporting the content of the official statement released to us, we wish to apologise for the inevitable confusion that has since arisen as a result of Norton Motorcycle Co. Ltd changing their stance.
Despite repeated requests for an official comment and statement relating to the next stage in unpicking this convoluted situation, none has yet been forthcoming. New Norton CEO, Robert Henschel, has only recently taken over from Interim CEO John Russell, and we hope this will accelerate a swift and clear resolution to the current confusion. As soon as there is more information, we will report on it immediately.