TVS Motor Company organised a private cultural design event in Bengaluru on March 22, where it unveiled three specially customised versions of its premium electric scooter, the TVS X. The gathering, titled the TVS X Collectors’ Soirée, brought together collectors, designers, and craft practitioners for an evening focused on the intersection of mobility, design, and regional heritage.
The custom scooters were created in collaboration with fashion designer Manoviraj Khosla and were later auctioned to collectors. Funds raised through the auction were directed to A Hundred Hands, a non-profit organisation that works to support artisan communities across Karnataka. The company positioned the event as a cultural initiative rather than a traditional product launch or showcase.
Custom Scooters Inspired by Karnataka’s Cultural Heritage
Each of the three customised TVS X scooters unveiled at the event drew inspiration from different aspects of Karnataka’s historical and craft traditions. The designs incorporated visual and artistic references rooted in the state’s architectural legacy and artisanal practices.
Themes included the ancient ruins of Hampi, known as the former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Another scooter highlighted the well-known lacquerware and wooden toy-making traditions of Channapatna, a town located around 60 kilometres from Bengaluru. The third design reflected architectural influences and aesthetic elements associated with the royal court of Mysuru.
Designer Manoviraj Khosla interpreted these references through a contemporary design perspective. The company described the scooters as collectible creations that combine regional identity with modern engineering and current design sensibilities. In addition to the vehicles, Khosla also created bespoke merchandise for attendees, adding to the overall artistic theme of the evening.
Event Details and Cultural Design Themes
The following table highlights key details about the design event and the customised scooters:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | TVS X Collectors’ Soirée |
| Location | Bengaluru |
| Date | March 22 |
| Scooter Model | TVS X Premium Electric Scooter |
| Designer Collaboration | Manoviraj Khosla |
| Cultural Inspirations | Hampi ruins, Channapatna crafts, Mysuru royal architecture |
| Auction Proceeds Beneficiary | A Hundred Hands (artisan support organisation) |
The company described the event as the first chapter in a planned series of similar gatherings across different regions of India.
Initiative Aims to Blend Mobility with Cultural Engagement
During the soirée, Manoviraj Khosla spoke about his approach to designing the customised scooters. He said design played a central role from the beginning, transforming the TVS X into what he described as a “moving canvas.” His work focused on combining material choices, form, and storytelling elements to create designs that reflect cultural narratives while maintaining contemporary appeal.
According to TVS Motor Company, the initiative aims to use the electric scooter as a recurring platform to engage with India’s diverse regional art traditions. Karnataka was selected as the starting point due to its rich architectural history and established craft heritage.
Gaurav Gupta, President of India Two Wheeler Business at the company, described the soirée as part of a broader programme that will expand to other parts of the country. He said the initiative reflects an effort to reinterpret Indian art and architecture through modern mobility solutions, positioning ownership of such vehicles as a way for customers to participate in cultural preservation.
Support for Artisan Communities Through Auction Proceeds
The auction of the customised scooters was conducted with the goal of raising funds for A Hundred Hands. The organisation works with craft communities across Karnataka and focuses on improving market access, ensuring fair compensation, and preserving traditional skills.
Founder Mala Dhawan attended the event and addressed the gathering, explaining that initiatives like this help build meaningful connections between artisans and audiences who can support their work. She noted that the programme goes beyond simple ownership of a product and contributes to sustaining craftsmanship by creating value and visibility for traditional practices.
The proceeds generated from the evening’s auction were directed to support the organisation’s ongoing efforts with artisan groups across the state.
TVS X Positioned at the Premium End of the EV Market
The TVS X electric scooter represents the company’s premium offering in India’s rapidly expanding electric two-wheeler segment. It was introduced as part of TVS Motor Company’s wider push into electric mobility solutions.
Bengaluru was chosen as the venue for the inaugural cultural event due to the company’s strong presence in the city’s electric vehicle development and operations ecosystem. The region’s historical landscape — which includes Hoysala temples, Vijayanagara-era ruins, and the Mysuru palace complex — provided a broad range of visual and cultural references for the design collaboration.
By aligning its premium electric scooter with artistic initiatives, the company is also seeking to build a distinctive identity around the product beyond technical performance and engineering features.
Growing Trend of Cultural Programming in Mobility Branding
The TVS X Collectors’ Soirée reflects a broader trend in the automotive and mobility industry, where brands are increasingly associating their products with art, design, and cultural initiatives. Instead of focusing only on specifications or performance metrics, some manufacturers are positioning vehicles as objects of design interest or cultural expression.
Such initiatives can also help create a community of collectors or enthusiasts who view ownership as participation in a wider cultural narrative. For TVS Motor Company, the soirée signals an intention to develop this dimension of the TVS X brand alongside its engineering credentials and electric mobility strategy.
Conclusion
The TVS X Collectors’ Soirée in Bengaluru marked the unveiling of three culturally inspired customised electric scooters created in collaboration with designer Manoviraj Khosla. The event combined elements of mobility, design, and regional heritage, while also raising funds to support artisan communities through A Hundred Hands.
The initiative highlights the company’s plan to use the TVS X as a platform for cultural engagement across different regions of India. Going forward, similar events are expected to take place in other parts of the country, each drawing inspiration from local art traditions and historical influences.
Through this programme, TVS Motor Company is signalling its intent to expand the identity of its premium electric scooter beyond technology and performance, connecting it with India’s diverse cultural landscape.