Editing Tomos

{{Short description|Slovenian motorcycle company}}
{{For|the Eastern Orthodox church term|Tomos (Eastern Orthodox Church)}}
{{more footnotes|date=November 2012}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Tomos
| logo = Tomos_Logo.png
| type = [[Public company|Public]]
| foundation = July 1954
| location = [[Koper]], [[Slovenia]]
| defunct = January 3, 2019
| key_people = 
| num_employees =
| industry = 
| products = [[Motorcycle]]s & [[moped]]s
| homepage = http://www.tomos.si 
}}
'''Tomos''' ({{langx|sl|link=yes|'''To'''varna, '''Mo'''tornih koles, '''S'''ežana}}, "Motorcycle Factory [[Sežana]]") was a [[Slovenia|Slovene]] manufacturer of<!-- [[bicycle]]s, [[scooter (motorcycle)|scooters]] and    <<   Needs verification.  --> [[moped]]s based in [[Koper]]. It was founded in 1948. Tomos acquired a production license from [[Puch]] to produce moped models under the Tomos name in 1954. Tomos had since produced various goods for the [[Eastern European]] market, including [[motorcycle]]s, [[moped]]s, [[outboard motor]]s and [[Citroën]] [[car]]s for the home market.

Tomos mopeds were also produced in [[Epe, Netherlands]] since 1966. A very good-selling model was the Tomos "4L", produced from 1969 until 1980. The Dutch development team was responsible for the introduction of models like the Colibri, Targa and Revival. Tomos was the last remaining moped factory in the Netherlands, surviving at least 36 others since 1966. Tomos mopeds were sold in the U.S. from 1976 to 2014<ref name="tomosusa">[http://www.tomosusa.com/pages/over Tomos USA: About] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130112002821/http://www.tomosusa.com/pages/over |date=2013-01-12 }}</ref><ref name=mopeddivision>{{cite web|url=http://www.mopeddivision.com/mopeds/|title=Tomos Moped Dealer|publisher=|accessdate=17 January 2017}}</ref> and also exported to Canada. In 2017 Tomos was also selling mopeds in the United Kingdom.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tomosgb.com/|title=Tomos UK|publisher=|accessdate=17 January 2017}}</ref>

Tomos went [[bankruptcy|bankrupt]] on January 3, 2019. After 1991 on all products there was 'Made in Slovenia' label.<ref name="bankruptcy">{{cite web|url=http://www.sloveniatimes.com/motorcycle-maker-tomos-sent-into-receivership|title=Motorcycle maker Tomos sent into receivership|website=Slovenia Times|date=4 January 2019|accessdate=29 April 2020}}</ref>

==History==
===Establishment===
[[File:Josip Broz Tito in cesar Haile Selassie v Kopru 1959 (3).jpg|thumb|right|250px|[[Josip Broz Tito]] and Ethiopian emperor [[Haile Selassie]] at Tomos factory - 1959]]
After World War II, the Yugoslav government sought to develop new industries. A company to produce two-wheelers was established in [[Sežana]] in July 1954, and soon a license agreement was signed with the Austrian company [[Steyr-Daimler-Puch]]. Puch had economical and robust motorcycles suitable for gravel roads and steep terrain characteristic of the region, and Puch also offered favorable licensing terms and conditions, as it doubted that the factory would ever be able to operate independently. The very next month, the name TOMOS (TOvarna MOtornih koles Sežana) appeared in the company documents for the first time. In October 1954, the Yugoslav government started to build the Tomos factory in [[Koper]], the seaside industrial center of [[Slovenia]].<ref>{{cite book|url=http://www.tms.si/fck_files/file/Motorcycles_from_Koper.pdf|author=Brovinsky, Boris|title=MOTORCYCLES FROM KOPER AN OVERVIEW OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SLOVENIAN MOTORCYCLE INDUSTRY|publisher= Technical Museum of Slovenia|date=2015|accessdate= 21 February 2017|isbn =978-961-6464-45-1}}</ref>
Production in temporary facilities started in 1955 and the factory was officially opened in 1959 by [[Josip Broz-Tito]], the [[President of Yugoslavia]].<ref name="tomosusa"/>

In the 1980s bicycles made by the dutch company Sparta'' were sold by Tomos und its own brand.<ref>Herbert Kuner: [http://www.rijwiel.net/spaframd.htm ''Sparta - Auf Biegen und Brechen''], March 2004. In: rijwiel.net</ref>

Tomos remained a [[state-owned enterprise]] as Slovenia, with its close ties to Austria and Italy, was first to gain its independence as the [[Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia]] broke up in the early 90s. The company navigated these challenges successfully and in 1998 it was privatized and sold to Hidria, a private Slovenian corporation.<ref name="tomosusa"/>

===License production - motorcycles===
[[File:Tomosova prikolica na Glavnem trgu v Mariboru 1960.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Delivering Tomos motorcycles - 1960]]
Tomos first product was a motorcycle called TOMOS Puch SG 250. In 1955 they made 137 of these motorcycles and assembled 124 RL 125 scooters and one hundred mopeds. The next year, mopeds accounted for the majority (1712) of the total number of assembled units, followed by motorcycles (615) and [[Scooter (motorcycle)|scooters]]. Simultaneously with the licensed production, Tomos started development of its own serial models.

In the late 1950s, numerous variants of the moped Puch MS 50 were produced under the common name Colibri. The first Colibris were marked VS 50; later marks ranged from 01 to 013. Individual variants were adapted to foreign markets. In 1959, they produced more than 17,000 Colibris and signed a contract for the first major export to Sweden. Among the most successful Colibris was the type 12, while its version Colibri T 12, which was first presented in 1961 became the most popular moped in Slovenia.

In early 1960s, market research showed that the interest in heavy motorcycles was decreasing all over [[Europe]], and Tomos adapted its range of motorcycles and focused exclusively on the production of [[two-stroke]] 50cc motorcycles. In order to ensure systematic and organized development, the factory in 1962 organized own Technical and Economic Research department.{{Citation needed|date=February 2007}}

The 1960s were the most productive period for Tomos. The Netherlands emerged as an important market in 1960. Tomos had so much success, that the only other plant outside of Slovenia was built in the Netherlands in 1966. Until 2009 the factory produced for the Dutch market along with [[research and development]] of new units. Tomos became the longest surviving moped factory in The Netherlands until production ended in 2009 due to the fact production- and labor costs are lower in Slovenia.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.omroepgelderland.nl/web/nieuws-1/380901/tomos-stopt-bromfietsproductie-epe.htm|title=Tomos stopt bromfietsproductie Epe|publisher=|accessdate=17 January 2017}}</ref> The Netherlands remains the strongest market for Tomos today.

==={{anchor|Cimos}}License production - automobiles===
Beginning in 1959, Tomos began producing [[Citroën]] automobiles under license at the [[Koper]] plant, and selling them in the Yugoslav market.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.citroenet.org.uk/foreign/jugoslavija/cimos1.html|title=Cimos|publisher=Citroenet|author=Marsh, Julian|date=|accessdate=21 February 2017}}</ref> The Yugoslav automobile market was closed, so this [[joint venture]] with a local firm allowed Citroën to access the market.<ref name="FCIA">{{cite web|url=http://www.french-cars-in-america.com/2016/05/citroen-geri-the-unknown-citroen-cimos.html |title= Citroën Geri - The Unknown Citroën |publisher= FCIA - French Cars In America |author=|language=French |date=15 May 2016|accessdate=7 May 2017}}</ref>

[[File:Cimos Geri.jpg|thumb|right|170px|Cimos Geri]]
In 1972 Tomos, Iskra, and Citroën formed a new company, '''Cimos''' (Citroën, Iskra, Tomos), for the manufacture and export of cars and car sub-assemblies.<ref name = "CIMOS">{{cite web|url=http://www.cimos.si/index.php?page=zgodovina&item=87 |title= Corporate history |publisher= Cimos |author=|language= |date=|accessdate=7 May 2017}}</ref> [[Iskra (company)|Iskra]] was a manufacturer of automotive components, especially generators.<ref name = "BR Cimos">{{cite web | url = https://www.carjager.com/blog/article/cimos-dak-et-geri-le-van-yougoslave-dont-citroen-ne-voulut-pas.html |title= Cimos Dak et Geri: le van yougoslave dont Citroën ne voulut pas! | trans-title = Cimos Dak and Geri: the Yugoslav van that Citroën did not want! | language = fr | publisher= CarJager | first = Paul | last = Clément-Collin |date= 20 August 2015| archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20200506015257/https://www.carjager.com/blog/article/cimos-dak-et-geri-le-van-yougoslave-dont-citroen-ne-voulut-pas.html | archivedate= 2020-05-06 }}</ref>

Cimos was half owned by Citroën and half by the Yugoslav government.<ref name = "FCIA"/> The Yugoslav government was short of [[hard currency]] and often used the [[barter system]], paying Citroën with cereals and raw materials, which Citroën resold in Western Europe.<ref name="FCIA"/>

Locally made vehicles included the Ami 8, 2CV6, GS, and [[Citroën Dyane]] (called the Diana). Cimos also sold imported vehicles, the CX and Méhari. The Cimos GS can be distinguished by round headlights, developed for the US market but never used there.<ref name = "BR Cimos"/>

In 1981, Cimos began to produce a specific model, the '''Dak''', an enclosed cargo [[utility vehicle]], very similar to the fourgonette. The basis was an unstretched Diana chassis, unlike the French Acadiane which was based on the longer chassis of the 2CV AK400.<ref name = "BR Cimos"/> Cimos also prepared a [[pick up truck]] from the same basis, the '''Geri'''. Sales were 2,200 Dak and 900 Geri.<ref name = "BR Cimos"/> Citroën did not allow Cimos to export these utility vehicles, and this rift led to the French firm ceasing delivery of parts to its Yugoslav partner by 1985, dooming the joint venture.<ref name = "BR Cimos"/>

===Own-design motorcycles - automatics===
[[File:Tomos APN - 4MS.jpg|thumb|right|170px|Tomos '''APN-4MS''']]
At the brink of the 1970s, Tomos started preparing for the production of "automatics" of its own design, as the market was increasingly interested in such type of motorcycles and the components produced abroad were more and more expensive. Therefore, they produced Automatic A1 with improved single gear engine which was built into the framework structure of the previous Automatic. Its successor, Automatic A3 was made in 1973 when they launched the new, modernized production line with automated machines for framework welding. This was the beginning of the production of new frameworks in Tomos which were visually different from the licensed Puch's motorcycle frameworks.

As the standard of living increased significantly in the 1970s, the number of young buyers also grew. These were attracted by automatics and mopeds of the type A-OS, A-ON and APN. The latter type was particularly popular among the young, which is why Tomos started producing special variants of these mopeds with raised handlebars, seat with back support, side bags and a lot of [[Chrome plating|chrome]].

In the 1970s, several new models of Colibris were sent to the markets. Colibris T-03, T-12 and T-13 had [[Puch]]'s motors while Colibri 14V had inbuilt motor produced by Tomos, according to its own design. After 1973 all motorcycles and bicycles with motors attached produced by Tomos were equipped with in-house manufactured engines. In this period, they also developed Colibri 15 with a stronger motor which could almost compete with motorcycles.

===Oil crisis and modernization ===
In the 1960s and 1970s Tomos' developmental activity reached its peak in terms of the volume of patents and prototypes. However, during the 1979–1980 time frame Tomos was faced with restrictive [[environmental standard]]s for the first time. In the 1980s, Tomos modernized the entire range of two-wheelers and concentrated on reducing the level of noise and harmful emissions, and increased the rider's comfort along with a more modern look.

1976 saw the debut of Tomos in the [[United States of America]] through US distributors. There were many European manufacturers who had mopeds in the USA market. The market hit its zenith in 1979 as gas prices were at a premium and shortages were common due to a change in [[OPEC]] policy. People started to rethink their consumption of gasoline and looked to more efficient means.  The moped surfaced as that alternative reaching over 100 [[Miles per gallon|mpg]].

The entire range of two-wheelers was again competing globally after the modernization in the 1980s. The first product from this new range was APN 6 which was introduced in 1981. In 1985, TOMOS launched a new generation of motorcycles, the BT 50 with cast wheels and turn signals.  Based on this model, TOMOS ATX 50 C was produced later for off-road use.

===1990s===
In the 1990s Tomos came out with the Sprint, Targa, and Targa LX.  The later two were eventually changed to TOMOS ST and TOMOS LX.  A new engine was introduced called the A35. Tomos USA was started in [[Spartanburg]], [[South Carolina]], in a new office and warehouse complex of over {{convert|24000|sqft|m2|abbr=on}}.

===2000s===
In 2006 the A35 engine was replaced with the A55. This new engine featured lighter weight rotating parts as well as better power output. This engine is currently used on all 50cc applications.

In 2004, Slovenia was admitted into the [[European Union]] and a contract was signed with Germany's [[BMW]] to produce component parts for some of its units, that production continues today from Koper. New models introduced during these years such as the MC Off-Road Line, Revival, Streetmate, and Arrow. Complementing these new units was a new family engine called the A55 in 2006, meeting stricter [[United States Environmental Protection Agency|EPA]] emission standards.

===2010s===
Tomos returned to the US market with two new mopeds, the redesigned Sprint with classic details, and the all-new Racing TT, but went bankrupt in 2019.<ref name="bankruptcy" />

==Products==
[[File:Tomos Automatic 1986.jpg|thumb|Tomos Automatic]]
[[File:Predjamski Grad (35149163224).jpg|thumb|Tomos APN 4]]
[[File:Bt50org.jpg|thumb|Tomos BT 50]]
* Tomos [[Tomos CTX|CTX 80]]
* Tomos [[Tomos ATX 50 c|ATX 50]]
* [[Tomos BT 50]]
* Tomos AT 50 NL/UK Market
* Tomos TS 50
* Tomos NTX 50 (Netherlands only)
* Tomos Flexer
* Tomos Racing TT
* Tomos Streetmate and Streetmate R
* Tomos Arrow and Arrow R (Youngster)
* Tomos Roadie
* Tomos Revival
* Tomos ST and Sprint (step-through models)
* Tomos LX (top-tank model)
* Tomos Colibri 15SLH 
* Tomos Classic (Japan only)
* Tomos SGS 250
* Tomos Electronic E90
* Tomos Sprint Electronic
* Tomos APN-4MS
* Tomos APN-6 Alpino
* Tomos Tori Cross
* Tomos a3
* Tomos a3m
* Tomos a3ms
* Tomos S1 (Netherlands only)
* Tomos APN 4
* Tomos APN 4H (hippy)
* Tomos APN 6
* Tomos APN 6s
* Tomos 14 M
* Tomos Automatic
* Tomos LX
Tomos XL45 Classic uk market

===Supermoto===
* Tomos SE 125 F
* Tomos SM 125 Replica Cup
* Tomos Norton TN 750 Fastback 745 cm3

===Outboard motors===
[[File:Tomos 4 electronic.JPG|thumb|150px|Tomos 4]]
[[File:Tomos 10.jpg|thumb|150px|Tomos 10]]
[[File:Tomos 4.5.jpg|thumb|150px|Tomos 4.5 - last livery]]
* Tomos 3.5
* Tomos 4
* Tomos 4.5
* Tomos 4.8
* Tomos 9.9
* Tomos 10
* Tomos 18

===Cars===
[[File:Tomos 2 CV 4 1968.JPG|thumb|Tomos 2CV]]
[[File:Tomos Ami 6 1967.JPG|thumb|Tomos Ami 6]]

* [[Citroën 2CV|Tomos - Citroën 2CV "Spaček"]]
* [[Citroën Ami|Tomos - Citroën Ami 6/8/Super]]
* [[Citroën DS|Tomos - Citroën DS]]
* [[Citroën H Van|Tomos - Citroën HY]]
* [[Citroën Dyane|Tomos - Citroën Diana 6]]
* [[Citroën GS|Tomos - Citroën GS]]
* [[Citroën GSA|Cimos Citroën GA]]
* [[Citroën AX|Cimos Citroën AX]]
* [[Citroën BX|Cimos Citroën BX]]
* [[Citroën CX|Cimos Citroën CX]]
* [[Citroën Visa|Cimos Citroën Visa]]
* [[Citroën C15|Cimos Citroën C15]]
* [[Citroën C25|Cimos Citroën C25]]
* [[Citroën C35|Cimos Citroën C35]]
* [[Citroën Acadiane|Tomos - Citroën DAK/Geri]]

==Outsourcing scare==
In November 2007, a statement was circulated which was interpreted to imply that Tomos' moped production would cease, as the company was no longer competitive against Chinese and Indian producers. The news caused a stir for several days in the Tomos moped community. However, a problem in translation had caused a misunderstanding, and the company later confirmed it was not ending sales, but instead outsourcing parts of the production.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.limun.hr/en/main.aspx?id=208338&Page=2|title=Limun.hr - Regional news|publisher=|accessdate=17 January 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tomosusa.com/pages/nieuws/tomosusarepresentativesvisiteuropeanfactorydecember52007 |title=Tomos - Tomosusarepresentativesvisiteuropeanfactorydecember52007 |accessdate=2007-12-12 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090714031229/http://www.tomosusa.com/pages/nieuws/tomosusarepresentativesvisiteuropeanfactorydecember52007 |archivedate=2009-07-14 }}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Tomos}}
* [http://www.tomos.si/ Company website]
* [http://www.pgimoto.com/ American Distributor website]

{{Automotive industry in Slovenia}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Moped manufacturers]]
[[Category:Motorcycle manufacturers of Slovenia]]
[[Category:Car manufacturers of Yugoslavia]]
[[Category:Car manufacturers of Slovenia]]
[[Category:Slovenian brands]]
[[Category:Economy of Koper]]
[[Category:1954 establishments in Slovenia]]
[[Category:Vehicle manufacturing companies established in 1954]]