About KTM Bikes
KTM, an Austrian motorcycle, bicycle, and motorsports brand, has made significant inroads into the Indian market through a strategic partnership with Bajaj Auto. This collaboration has expanded KTM’s presence in India and contributed to its global success. Discover the KTM family of bikes, from the agile streetfighters to the adventurous off-road models, each designed to ignite your passion for riding.
KTM bike’s Global Presence and Partnership with Bajaj Auto
KTM Bikes is co-owned by Indian manufacturer Bajaj Auto and Austrian manufacturer Pierer Mobility AG. This partnership has been pivotal in KTM’s growth, particularly in India. Bajaj Auto increased its stake in KTM to 47% in 2012, marking a significant milestone in their collaboration. The partnership has led to developing and manufacturing popular models like the Duke and RC series at Bajaj’s facility in Pune, aligning with the Indian Government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative.
KTM Bikes Market Strategy and Product Lineup in India
KTM has a diverse product lineup in India, ranging from the affordable KTM 125 Duke to the more expensive KTM 390 Adventure. >KTM Bikes company has a strong dealer network with 462 dealerships nationwide. Upcoming models include the KTM 890 Adventure R and KTM 890 Duke, indicating continuous expansion and innovation.
Sales and Market Performance
KTM Bikes has shown impressive sales growth in India. In the fiscal year 2023, around 53,000 KTM motorcycles were sold in India, a slight increase compared to the previous year. By January 2024, KTM’s overall sales, including exports and domestic sales, grew by 11.34% compared to the previous month. The company achieved a market share of 34% in the supersport segment in India in Q2 FY2020.
Technological and Market Innovations
KTM is known for its high-performance street and off-road motorcycles. The company has a history of success in motorsports, earning over 260 world championship titles by the end of 2016. KTM’s commitment to innovation is evident in its continuous development of market-driven, safe, and high-quality products.
Strategic Impact of the KTM-Bajaj Partnership
The strategic partnership between Bajaj and KTM has led to technology exchange, shared engines, collaborative R&D, and global expansion, benefiting both companies. Bajaj Auto handles all sales and marketing operations for KTM in India, further solidifying their market presence.
Timeline of KTM Bikes in India
- 2007: The Beginning of the Partnership
Bajaj Auto and KTM AG enter into a strategic alliance, with Bajaj acquiring a 14.5% stake in KTM.
- 2011: Global Launch of Jointly Developed Products
The first KTM and Bajaj launched jointly developed products by KTM, including those in Europe, the UK, Japan, and Australia.
- 2012: Entry into the Indian Market
KTM enters the Indian market with the launch of the KTM 200 Duke, marking a significant milestone in the partnership.
- 2013: Expansion and Acquisitions
KTM acquires the Husqvarna motorcycle business, expanding its portfolio.
Bajaj progressively increases its stake in KTM to 48%, with a cumulative investment of about Euro 200 million (Rs 1200 Cr).
- 2014: Development and Export Initiatives
Joint development of sub-400cc products in the KTM RC range begins.
Exports to KTM USA from Bajaj Auto’s Chakan plant commence.
- 2016: Market and Stock Developments
KTM delists from the Vienna Stock Exchange.
- 2019: Further Acquisitions
KTM acquires the GasGas brand, further expanding its market reach.
- 2020: New Developments and Electric Mobility
Joint development of sub-400cc KTM Adventure range and Husqvarna Svartpilen and Vitpilen models.
KTM has been recognized as a pioneer in electric mobility since 2013.
- 2022: Strategic Relationships and Market Expansion
September 2022: Bajaj elevates its shareholding to Pierer Bajaj AG (PBAG) and becomes a 49.9% equity partner with Pierer Group (50.1% stake).
2022: KTM AG enters a strategic relationship with MV Augusta for global distribution.
- 2023: Production Milestones and Market Performance
January 2023: The Bajaj-KTM partnership crosses the one million motorcycle production milestone.
March 2023: KTM aims for significant double-digit growth in sales during FY24.
September 2023: KTM’s market share for the 200 Duke is 66.35%, and for the 390 Duke, it is 23.80%.
- 2024: Future Prospects
Launching the next generation of KTMs and Husqvarna is anticipated.
Bajaj’s Chetak electric scooter will be exported to Europe, and KTM is evaluating the launch of an electric motorcycle in India.
