The firm's boss Nikolai Smolenski announced on Wednesday that despite previous assurances that the brand would remain British, he was closing the current factory in Blackpool and moving production to 'elsewhere in Europe'. France and Russia have been mooted as potential sites, but Autocar's sources insist that the Russian tycoon has struck a deal to use Italian coachbuilder Bertone to assemble the 2007 model Sagaris, Tuscan and Tuscan convertible in Turin.
TVR stated that its drivetrain production would remain in the UK, and Autocar understands that engineering firm Ricardo - which is already working on bringing TVR's own engines up to Euro IV emissions standards - is to install a production line to supply the new-spec motors, and offer its own warranty to buyers.
The new structure could prove an astute move by Smolenski, who is keen for TVR to quickly strengthen its engineering and built quality credentials. Little of the current equipment at Blackpool is expected to be used in the new factory, potentially allowing Smolenski to restart production quickly, and in time for the 2007 model year.
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