Unveiling the Legacy of Tomos Mopeds: A Journey Through Innovation and Iconic Designs
Tomos, a moped manufacturer based in Slovenia, has a rich history of innovation and iconic designs. Founded in 1948, the company started with motorcycles and later shifted its focus to mopeds. Tomos also ventured into automobile production and collaborated with Citroën. In the 1970s, they introduced their own-design motorcycles with "automatics." The company faced challenges in the 1980s but adapted to meet environmental standards and entered the US market. However, financial difficulties led to bankruptcy in 2019. Despite this, Tomos has left a lasting legacy with models like the Colibri, Targa, and Revival.
TWO STROKETOMOS 1950'SSLOVENIA
11/21/20232 min read
Unveiling the Legacy of Tomos Mopeds: A Journey Through Innovation and Iconic Designs
Tomos (Slovene: Tovarna, Motorjev, Sežana, "Motorcycle Factory Sežana") emerged as a pioneering moped manufacturer based in Koper, Slovenia, leaving an indelible mark on the two-wheeler landscape. Founded in 1948, Tomos ventured into the world of motorized two-wheelers and crafted a legacy defined by audacious innovation and enduring designs.
Historical Evolution: Tomos originated in the post-World War II era when the Yugoslav government sought to develop new industries. Established in Sežana in July 1954, the company secured a license agreement with the Austrian company Steyr-Daimler-Puch, marking a pivotal moment in its journey. The name TOMOS (TOvarna MOtornih koles Sežana) first appeared in company documents in August 1954, and by October of the same year, the Tomos factory in Koper was under construction. Production commenced in temporary facilities in 1955, and the official inauguration took place in 1959 with Josip Broz-Tito, the President of Yugoslavia, officiating the ceremony.
Remaining a state-owned enterprise through the dissolution of Yugoslavia, Tomos successfully navigated challenges and was privatized in 1998, eventually being sold to Hidria, a private Slovenian corporation.
License Production - Motorcycles: Tomos began its journey with a motorcycle named TOMOS Puch SG 250 in 1955, produced under license from Steyr-Daimler-Puch. As the years progressed, the focus shifted to the production of mopeds, with the Colibri series gaining widespread success in the late 1950s. The Netherlands emerged as a significant market in 1960, leading to the establishment of a plant in Epe in 1966. Tomos became the last surviving moped factory in the Netherlands, thriving until 2009.
License Production - Automobiles: In a joint venture with Iskra and Citroën, Tomos began producing Citroën automobiles in 1959. This collaboration led to the formation of Cimos (Citroën, Iskra, Tomos) in 1972, manufacturing and exporting cars and car sub-assemblies. However, rifts with Citroën in the mid-1980s led to the demise of the joint venture.
Own-Design Motorcycles - Automatics: Entering the 1970s, Tomos ventured into producing "automatics" with its designs. The Automatic A1 and its successor, Automatic A3, marked the beginning of a new era in framework design. The 1970s saw the introduction of various popular models, including Colibris and the Colibri T 12.
Oil Crisis and Modernization: Facing environmental challenges in the late 1970s, Tomos underwent modernization in the 1980s. The company adapted its two-wheelers to meet stringent noise and emission standards, ensuring global competitiveness. The 1980s also marked Tomos' debut in the U.S. market, riding the wave of increased moped demand during the gas crisis.
1990s and Beyond: The 1990s brought forth models like Sprint, Targa, and Targa LX, introducing the A35 engine. In 2006, the A55 engine replaced the A35, emphasizing lighter weight and enhanced power output. Tomos expanded its range with models like MC Off-Road Line, Revival, Streetmate, and Arrow, meeting stricter EPA emission standards.
Return to the US and Bankruptcy: After Slovenia's entry into the European Union in 2004, Tomos returned to the U.S. market with redesigned Sprint and Racing TT mopeds. However, the company faced financial difficulties and declared bankruptcy on January 3, 2019.
Legacy and Iconic Models: Tomos left an enduring legacy with iconic models such as the Colibri, Targa, and Revival. The brand's commitment to innovation, user-friendly designs, and environmental considerations earned it a loyal following.
Conclusion: The journey of Tomos is one of resilience, innovation, and iconic designs. From its early days as a state-owned enterprise to privatization and global expansion, Tomos played a pivotal role in shaping the moped industry. The legacy of Tomos lives on through its timeless models and the nostalgia of enthusiasts who once rode these iconic two-wheelers.