TVR Manufacturing Update - Dec 2020 - A major step forward...

Since we were last in touch, we’ve all had to go 'back into lockdown and out again and now back in again', which naturally presented us with a number of personal and operational challenges; nevertheless we have managed to make great strides over the last few months.
 
We were determined to only get back to you with substantive, positive news, and I am delighted to report that now we have just that…
 
Big news from Wales 

After extensive liaison with our partners in the Welsh Government, we are thrilled (and not a little relieved!) to announce that the factory renovation and enhancement scheme finally received planning permission late last month. This was a long process that ran throughout summer and autumn, primarily because there was a need for additional bat surveys – yes, the factory currently has some tiny squatters…
 
The news gets better!

Although the Welsh Government had previously confirmed that there was a successful tender for the works to our new factory, we learned today that it has awarded the renovation contract to Jones Brothers (Henllan) Ltd., and that they expect works on site to begin in mid January. This is a fantastic milestone for us to have achieved, and has taken far longer than any of us would have thought, but we hope that you will now be feeling as optimistic as we all are.

A significant amount of work on the factory is anticipated, including replacement of the main building’s roof, recladding of the entire building, extensive groundworks and also preparation of a prototype build area at the side of the main production area, so this will not be an overnight task. Nevertheless, we expect to take possession of the prototype build area early in Q3 2021, and will confirm timing for the full factory fit-out and production preparation as soon as we are able.
 
So, what does this mean?
 
Assuming Jones Brothers don’t come across any additional nasty surprises, we aim to start producing a number of prototypes for the Griffith in Q4 next year, and remain very much focused on timing of the start of production of customer cars, and we’ll be aiming to name that date just as soon as possible.
 
Autocar: sharing our vision with Steve Cropley
 
 While COVID-19 did its best to wreck our summer plans to be out and about with Griffith at various events and TVRCC meet-ups, we did manage to host one of the world’s most respected automotive journalists at our facilities in Surrey. We spent the best part of a full day bringing Steve up to date on our progress to date, our continuing challenges with getting Griffith into production, and our plans for the future.
 
With a career spanning some 40 years or so, he has seen perhaps all car companies pass through the full gamut of fortunes, so it was encouraging to get his verdict on us:
 
“TVR cars have a persona that’s well understood, and the reborn company’s desirable-looking first product, the Griffith, does nothing to shake that understanding. Best of all, it has supporters and potential buyers who have already shown impressive loyalty by stumping up actual deposits. These are huge advantages....

...TVR’s management have been steadfast so far in coping with difficulties. So, I’m backing them to make a convincing, saleable car - and look forward to driving one this time in 2022.”
 
If you missed the original publication, you can find the full article here.

Extensive testing continues…
 
One of the things we’re focused on is the day-to-day practicality of Griffith – it’s all well and good having a fabulous looking car with stunning performance, but we need to ensure that it’s great to live with and drives as a TVR should, both on the road and on the track.
 
So, we’ve been racking up the miles during late summer and autumn, from our Surrey HQ and extensive testing through the Sussex Downs and at the gloriously grippy - and famously fast - Goodwood circuit. In fact, you may have spotted us whilst we were down there for a quick visit during Speedweek. The car continues to acquit itself admirably in all environments, I'm pleased to report, and attracts welcome comment and approval from onlookers and the drivers of equivalent machinery alike! More photos are here
 
Watch out for…
 
…more media exposure just as soon as the works start at the factory in Rassau in the New Year…

Until then, we sincerely hope that you and yours remain in fine spirits and fit and well, particularly as we all look forward to a break over the Festive period from all that 2020 has thrown at us!
 
All the best, and thanks as ever for your ongoing support, it is greatly valued and appreciated.

Les
TVR Manufacturing Ltd
​