KTM to Launch Duke 690 and Hasqvarna Bikes in India?

The Austrian auto maker KTM is all set to launch the RC 390 and 200 bikes in India. After that, it is planning to roll out the Hasqvarna bikes from its partner Bajaj Auto's Chakan plant within 2 years. In January this year, by taking 52% shares, KTM AG had made Hasqvarna as its fully owned subsidiary. The brand Hasqvarna is worldwide popular for its enduro, freeride and supermoto bikes.

CEO, KTM Sportmotorcycles AG, Mr. Stefan Pierer told,"Our current focus is the KTM bikes, but in the next two years you will see the Husqvarna bikes coming from the Chakan plant." He also mentioned that the KTM might launch Duke 690 in India by 2015.

Managing Director, Bajaj Auto limited, Mr. Rajiv Bajaj said about launching more KTM bikes in India,"KTM has developed a full-fledged sports model under the brand RC. We will launch it by the end of next year. The RC series will have more than one engine capacity and it will be manufactured at BAL's Chakan plant."

Mr. Bajaj answered the question about taking more stakes in KTM,"We don't see any need for enhancing that...Our objective is to be a partner and not to take over KTM."

BAL's stakes in KTM have been increased to 48% since 2007, when the company acquired 14.5% in KTM. Under the partnership, Bajaj manufactures Duke 125, 200 and 390 in India, while sells Duke 200 and 390 in India through its Pro Biking dealerships and exports Duke 125.

So, after the amazing RC racing machines, we may get more exiting bikes from the KTM including super naked Duke 690 and motocross Hasqvarna bikes.

Source: Economic Times