Terblanche To Norton!
TERBLANCHE TO NORTON!
Will design new range of modern Norton sportbikes
ICONIC MOTORCYCLE BRAND NORTON has taken an important step in its rise from the ashes. Norton’s new owner, businessman Stuart Garner, recently hired high-profile designer Pierre Terblanche to head the British-based company’s design team. Norton is re-entering the market this year with its range of air-cooled, ohv parallel-Twin Commando 961 models {“Commando 961 SE,” October, 2010), which are expected to go on sale in the U.S. later this spring. The addition of Terblanche indicates that there are more projects in the pipeline.
In his previous positions, the South African designer was at Volkswagen, worked at Cagiva under Massimo Tamburini, then moved to Ducati where he designed some very memorable (and controversial) models, including the original Multistrada, 999/749 superbikes, Hypermotard, Supermono and Sport Classics.
“Norton is one of the great names in motorcycling,” says Terblanche, shown at right during his Ducati days. “It was too good a chance to pass up to be involved in bringing it back to its former glory by creating something fresh and new by drawing on its history, but expressing it in a modern context.”
Gamer obviously had nothing but praise for Terblanche. “Pierre’s experience of bringing innovative new products to the marketplace will be a vital factor in developing the Norton range while paying due respect to its traditions,” he said. “His proven ability to think outside the envelope while respecting the image of the marque he’s working with makes it very exciting to have him come to Britain and work for us.” Another important addition to Norton’s management team was last November’s hiring of American Dan van Epps as CEO of Norton Motorcycles USA. This reunites Terblanche and van Epps after their previous tenure working together at Ducati, where van Epps held many positions including CEO Ducati North America and Director of Marketing in
Bologna. “This is the most exciting thing I have ever done,” says van Epps, “a once-in-a-lifetime, or maybe twice, opportunity.”
The pair plans to re-establish Norton as a global brand by designing a new range of modern, liquid-cooled, overhead-cam-powered models to be sold alongside the “retro” Commandos.
—Blake Conner
