Tomberlin golf carts are made by Columbia Vehicle Group, Inc., a company owned by the privately held Nordic Group of Companies.
The brand is known for luxury, street legal low speed vehicles built for buyers who want more refinement than a traditional golf cart offers.
Columbia Vehicle Group is headquartered in Aiken, South Carolina, and operates as part of the Nordic Group, which is based in Baraboo, Wisconsin.
Knowing who owns the Tomberlin brand helps buyers understand how it relates to the similarly positioned Columbia line of commercial electric vehicles.
This article covers Tomberlin’s ownership history, where the vehicles are produced, its Engage and E-Merge model lines, and how it compares to its sister brand, Columbia.
So let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Who Owns Tomberlin Golf Carts?
Tomberlin was founded by Michael Tomberlin in 1992 and later became part of Columbia Vehicle Group after Columbia ParCar Corp. acquired key Tomberlin assets.
Columbia Vehicle Group is itself a member of the Nordic Group of Companies, a privately held holding company that owns dozens of manufacturing subsidiaries worldwide.
Because Nordic Group is privately held, there is no public stock ticker associated with Tomberlin or its parent companies.
Where Are Tomberlin Golf Carts Made?
Tomberlin vehicles are manufactured in the United States under Columbia Vehicle Group, with the brand’s current corporate address listed in Aiken, South Carolina.
Historically, Tomberlin vehicles were assembled at a dedicated facility in Leesburg, Florida, before production was folded into the broader Columbia Vehicle Group manufacturing network after the acquisition.
Columbia’s core manufacturing operations trace back to Reedsburg, Wisconsin, where Columbia has built electric vehicles since 1946, according to Columbia Vehicle Group’s official announcement on the Columbia and Tomberlin brand strategy.
Tomberlin Engage vs E-Merge: What Is the Difference?
The Engage line is Tomberlin’s most technologically advanced lineup, featuring the Tomberlin 360 telematics system and an EVOLVE lithium battery option.
The E-Merge line is positioned as Tomberlin’s more affordable luxury option, with models like the SE and LXR still including a reverse camera and infotainment system as standard.
Both lines include electric power steering, a feature Tomberlin has marketed as being the first in the industry to offer as standard equipment.
Tomberlin vs Columbia: How Do the Sister Brands Compare?
Tomberlin and Columbia are sister brands under the same parent company but serve different markets.
Columbia focuses on commercial and industrial electric vehicles, including work trucks and large capacity people movers, while Tomberlin focuses on consumer facing, street legal luxury low speed vehicles.
The two brands share engineering resources through Columbia Vehicle Group, which completed its acquisition of Tomberlin’s assets after the deal was first announced, according to Columbia Vehicle Group’s official statement on completing the Tomberlin acquisition.
For more comparisons in this category, see Who Makes Denago Golf Carts and Who Makes Kandi Golf Carts.
Are Tomberlin Golf Carts Good?
Tomberlin draws strong praise for its features but also some of the sharpest owner complaints of any brand on forums like Cartaholics.
Reviewers and owners consistently highlight the premium feel, calling out the smooth ride, hydraulic brakes, and connected features like the Tomberlin 360 app as genuinely ahead of most competitors.
Golf cart enthusiasts frequently describe Tomberlin carts as feeling more like a small automobile than a traditional golf cart, particularly on the Engage line.
On the negative side, some owners have posted detailed accounts of steering assembly failures that recurred even after repairs, along with long waits for dealer or factory responses on warranty claims.
A few dealers have publicly said they stopped carrying Tomberlin specifically because of how difficult it was to get support and warranty parts resolved on behalf of their customers.
The honest takeaway is that Tomberlin delivers a genuinely premium ride and feature set, but buyers should weigh that against real reports of inconsistent warranty support and confirm their local dealer has a strong service reputation before buying.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tomberlin Golf Carts
Who founded Tomberlin?
Tomberlin was founded by Michael Tomberlin in 1992 and later became part of Columbia Vehicle Group under the Nordic Group of Companies.
Is Tomberlin the same company as Columbia?
Tomberlin and Columbia are sister brands owned by the same parent, Columbia Vehicle Group, but they are marketed as separate product lines.
Are Tomberlin vehicles street legal?
Yes, most Tomberlin models are built as street legal low speed vehicles that meet National Highway Traffic Safety Administration requirements.
What is the range of a Tomberlin electric vehicle?
Tomberlin vehicles offer a range of more than 40 miles per charge on standard battery packs, with the EVOLVE lithium option extending that to roughly 80 miles.
I am Jack Neel, a mechanical engineer, researcher, and writer. I created this website to share my knowledge about different brands and products with you. I research the manufacturers behind the brands and provide you with the information you need to make smart buying decisions.