A Russian Youngster Buys British Car Maker TVR!
TVR, a British car maker founded in 1947, has a new owner.  Nikolai Smolenski, a young 24 year old Russian multi-millionaire, who earned a calling in Russia as the "baby-oligarch" is now the proud owner of this classic car maker.  Nikolai became chairman of Russian bank Pervoe OVK in 2001, the bank was bought by another Russian billionaire and Nikolai has pursued different interests since. Nikolai's wealth is estimated at well over $100 million dollars, buying TVR for 15 million pounds sterling, aproximately 27 million USD.  TVR is an exclusive car maker selling around 1000 fine automobiles a year, its models selling anywhere between 70 thousand and 150 thousand dollars.  Peter Wheeler, the previous owner is giving up 100% of his hold on the company to the young Russian. He also said he will stay on as a consultant.  TVR is now available in North America. 
Sales of Tuner Cars Up:
The auto tuning market is experiencing a huge boom.  Sales rose from less than $300 million in 1997 to more than $3 last year (2003), that is an annual increase of nearly 50%, according to the Specialty Equipment Market Association.  Overall sales in the tuning industry, which includes custom paint, wheels, performance tires, decorative accessories, and aftermarket performance parts, rose to 7.7% to $28.9 billion in 2003.
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One Down; 3,599,999 to go:


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