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KTM AG

In a recent interview with Motorrad magazine, MV Agusta CEO Timur Saradarov addressed the swirling controversy surrounding the partnership between MV Agusta and KTM, dispelling rumours of a potential takeover by the Austrian motorcycle manufacturer.

  • Partnership between MV Agusta and KTM began in November 2022.
  • KTM currently holds a 25.1-percent stake in MV Agusta. 

 

The partnership sparked speculation about KTM’s intentions to acquire a majority stake in the Italian brand with executives from Pierer Mobility, KTM’s parent company, had expressed their desire for a majority stake in MV Agusta, with an undisclosed timetable in place.

However, Saradarov remains unfazed by KTM’s ambitions.

“It’s nice that there is such a great interest from KTM in MV Agusta,” he said. 

Saradarov, who currently owns 74.9 percent of MV Agusta, expressed his intention not to sell and assured that nothing would change in the next three to four years.

*Lucky Explorer 9.5

Meanwhile, regarding KTM’s comments about MV Agusta’s Lucky Explorer model, Saradarov neither confirmed nor denied its inclusion in the lineup but revealed that the MV Agusta LXP series is in the works, with the 950 variant confirmed. 

Saradarov stated that the KTM portfolio is under consideration now that the two companies are in partnership, leading to the development of the MV Agusta LXP series, which will include the Lucky Explorer model.

 

Saradarov also provided insights into the forthcoming LXP series, stating that it will feature a completely different three-cylinder engine. The global unveiling of the LXP series is expected in late summer 2023, with MV Agusta aiming to produce 2,500 to 3,000 units this year.

(source: Motorrad)

Pierer Mobility Group (PMG) has expressed its intention to become the majority shareholder of renowned Italian motorcycle manufacturer MV Agusta, according to a recent interview with Hubert Trunkenpolz, a member of PMG’s Executive Board.

  • PMG currently holds 25.1 percent stake in MV Agusta. 
  • PMG plans to expand the current production line. 

Last year, PMG acquired a 25.1% stake in MV Agusta, raising concerns in Italy that the company would suffer the same fate as Husqvarna, which became a subsidiary of KTM. However, Trunkenpolz has reassured enthusiasts that MV Agusta will not follow the same path.

Contrary to downsizing and relocating production, PMG plans to enhance MV Agusta’s existing production line. Last year, the company manufactured a mere 1,000 motorcycles, a figure Trunkenpolz considers insufficient. He envisions increasing the production capacity to 12,000 bikes annually, highlighting the importance of achieving this goal for KTM.

In addition to preserving MV Agusta’s production base in Schiranna, Trunkenpolz explained that the brand’s role within the PMG portfolio will be focused on producing luxury motorcycles priced at EUR30,000 (RM140k) or higher. 

This strategic positioning aims to prevent overlap with other PMG brands such as KTM, Husqvarna, and GasGas. Trunkenpolz also criticized MV Agusta’s Lucky Explorer model, which is manufactured abroad and, in his opinion, detrimental to the brand’s image.

*The Lucky Explorer 5.5 initial plans is to be manufactured in China via QJ Motor. 

Acquiring a controlling stake in MV Agusta is crucial for PMG to implement the desired changes. PMG aims to hold at least 50.1% ownership in the company.

Trunkenpolz confirmed that PMG’s stake will gradually increase but did not disclose the exact timeframe, as agreed upon by the shareholders. However, he did mention that PMG intends to invest in the Varese region, where MV Agusta is headquartered, over the next two years.

With these plans, PMG aims to revitalize MV Agusta, ensuring its future as a luxury motorcycle brand known for its Italian heritage. By expanding production capabilities and maintaining the brand’s distinct identity, PMG seeks to unlock the company’s untapped potential. Motorcycle enthusiasts will eagerly await the developments resulting from PMG’s increased investment and growing influence within MV Agusta.

The Bajaj Chetak electric scooter will go on sale in Europe in 2024 through KTM dealerships.

  • The Chetak electric scooter is Bajaj’s first attempt at electric two-wheelers.
  • The Chetak is currently on sale in 27 cities in India.

The confirmation news came from the top man in KTM AG, Stefan Pierer. 

“We will be launching Chetak in 2024. It may hit roads post-March, as it is a starting time for the on-road season. 

“The price point will be very competitive, and it will be taking on products from Chinese and Taiwanese companies. It will be across all central European markets,” said the CEO. 

Interestingly, Pierer confirms that the electric scooter will continue to carry the Chetak brand due to its rich history.

“The second generation is a very nice product. We will use it as Chetak, it is a known brand, and we will be saving money on marketing and digitalisation. 

“Secondly, Chetak stands for its famous history in India, and it will help us too,” he added. 

Meanwhile, KTM is also developing its own 48-volt electric motorcycle alongside Bajaj. 

However, detailed information regarding the project is still unavailable. 

MV Agusta is back on the rise since being purchased by Russian entrepreneur, Timur Sardarov in 2019. 

  • KTM AG signs a multi-year deal with MV Agusta to distribute the Schiranna motorcycles in North America.
  • KTM purchased 25.1% stake in MV Agusta.
  • KTM to distribute MV Agusta motorcycle and vice versa.

Despite immediately facing serious struggles including the global pandemic, supply and resource shortages and the recent Ukraine-Russia conflict, MV Agusta has been making great strides. 

However, the focus now is not just surviving but also ensuring that the MV Agusta brand continue to thrive in the motorcycle market.

In order to do so, the Italian moniker recently agreed to a strategic partnership with Pierer Mobility Group’s KTM.

In a recent interview with Motorcycle.com, Sardarov explained the reason behind the big move.

“And so that’s why for me to partner up with a big business, with a big industrial partner like KTM–it makes my life easier.

“I want to focus on developing the business, on making the company better and more efficient–but it’s very hard to do this when you’re constantly thinking about whether we should ship our wheels from China by plane or by boat!,” he said. 

MV Agusta and KTM announced a new distribution deal back in September before it was confirmed a month later that KTM AG has owned a 25.1 per cent stake in MV Agusta.

Interestingly, two KTM senior management team members also joined MV Agusta’s board of directors as a result from the partnership. 

“We’re going to develop a network together, so it’s going to be either multi-brand dealers, or standalone dealers, depending on the country, but it’s definitely going to mean better dealers overall.

“I hope some of our existing dealers will stay with us, because many of them have invested heavily in MV, and I’m really grateful to them for doing so, and I will make sure that they are still part of our family. 

“But some other dealers simply haven’t performed, so we’ll be letting them go,” added Sardarov.

Although some might suggest that KTM AG could acquire the Italian brand altogether, Sardarov is adamant that this is not the case.

(Source: Motorcycle.com

KTM AG now owns a large chunk of Italian motorcycle maker, MV Agusta after months of rumours circulating between the two brand.

  • KTM purchased 25.1% stake in MV Agusta.
  • KTM to distribute MV Agusta motorcycle and vice versa. 

In an official statement released on Thursday, KTM AG has acquired a significant 21.1 per cent of the Varese-based company, just weeks after the two side entered a distribution agreement in North America.

The distribution deal was the strongest signal yet that KTM AG and MV Agusta has gotten into a bigger agreement than what was expected.

“Within the framework of this strategic partnership between the two European motorcycle manufacturers, KTM AG, a company of PIERER Mobility, will provide MV Agusta with supply chain support and take over the purchasing. 

“Furthermore, in the course of this cooperation, MV Agusta will partly distribute its product range via PIERER Mobility’s worldwide distribution network. 

“In November 2022, KTM AG will acquire a 25.1% stake in MV Agusta Motor S.p.A., based in Varese (Italy), by way of a capital increase,” said MV Agusta in a statement. 

The new partnership will witness both sides helping each other out in terms of motorcycle distribution and supply chain support. 

KTM AG announced a new distribution deal with MV Agusta, which will see the Austrian firm assist with distributing the Italian company’s motorcycles.

  • KTM AG signs a multi-year deal with MV Agusta to distribute the Schiranna motorcycles in North America.
  • Selected KTM dealership will sell MV Agusta motorcycles in North America. 

According to the official statement, the multi-year partnership will see KTM AG – the subsidiary of PIERER Mobility AG – distribute and promote MV Agusta’s motorcycle range in North America and Mexico. 

To achieve this, KTM AG will set up a dedicated US-based legal entity that will take charge of all the Italian company operations in North America.

That said, MV Agusta motorcycles can still be purchased from the Italian brand’s existing dealers and new ones but also selected KTM dealerships. 

In addition, KTM AG will also set up a company based in the United States dedicated to MV Agusta operations in North America.

The deal is part of MV Agusta’s strategic plan to achieve significant growth in the coming years. 

“I am particularly pleased with this agreement signed between two historic European motorcycle companies. 

“I am sure that KTM’s impeccable and widespread sales organization, combined with the very strong appeal that our brand has always exercised overseas, will bring great satisfaction to both, creating synergies that will allow us to best implement our growth strategy in the North America market,” said MV Agusta CEO, Timur Sardarov.

Meanwhile, Hubert Trunkenpolz, a Member of the Executive Board at KTM AG, also expressed his excitement over the new partnership.

“We are extremely excited to start a new partnership with such a historic motorcycle brand. 

“Our brands are going from strength to strength everywhere in the world, particularly in North America, where we will exceed 100,000-unit sales in 2022 with the KTM, Husqvarna and GASGAS motorcycle brands. 

“Taking on the distribution of the MV Agusta brand will complement our extensive premium motorcycle range.  

“With the addition of the most iconic Italian luxury motorcycle brand to our KTM North America operations, we are able to ensure support to all North American motorcycle enthusiasts as well as bringing exciting new business opportunities to existing and new dealers,” he said.

  • KTM unit sales in Europe increased by 10% in Q1 2019.

  • They moved a total of 261,000 bikes in Europe.

  • The result surprised even KTM CEO Stephan Pierer.

KTM unit sales in Europe increased by 10% in the first quarter (Q1) of the year. The result even took KTM CEO Stephan Pierer by surprise.

The Austrian giant moved 261,000 bikes in that period of time. In fact, the results not only the CEO but also us. There are many external forces that seem to force motorcycle sales down in the EU at the moment such as Brexit and political tensions. He also added that the news was “sensational.”

Given the buoyant news, Pierer wants to look to the future, which includes electric bikes. The manufacturer already has an electric in the Freeride E-XC but will sure tap into the non-offroad market as well. “E-bikes have become a huge market. As a large manufacturer, you have to there.”

Adding to the news, he also hopes that KTM can maintain the momentum and set a new target of selling 400,000 bikes worldwide by 2022.

They have has launched a number of new models recently, including the 790 Adventure, 790 Adventure R and 1290 Super Duke GT. We wonder how these models contributed to the number.

  • Kebanyakan jenama Eropah menyaksikan peningkatan positif bagi tahun 2017.
  • Peraih terbesar adalah BMW, KTM, Piaggio, dan Triumph (mengikut turutan huruf).
  • Adakah ini kemunculan semula motosikal Eropah menandingi kekuasaan pengeluar dari Jepun?

(more…)

  • Most European brands saw positive growth in 2017.

  • Biggest earners were BMW, KTM, Piaggio and Triumph (in alphabetical order).

  • Is this a resurgence of European motorcycles over the once unassailable Japanese?

It’s that time of the year when the European motorcycle manufacturers release their 2017 worldwide sales figures.

While BMW Group and BMW Motorrad had revealed their 2017 sales figures last month, here’s a collection of how all the European motorcycle manufacturers performed in the same year.

With fresh models in almost every segment from co-operating with Indian manufacturers and wide distribution networks, besides competitive pricing, it looks very much like a resurgence of the once dominant European motorcycles, over the might of the Japanese.

Here they are, listed according to alphabetical order.

BMW Motorrad

As we’ve reported earlier, BMW Motorrad reported a 13.2% increase (numbering 164,153 units) being sold in 2017, their seventh consecutive record-breaking year.

To recap, 2017 marked the first time that the GS (R 1200 GS, F 800 GS) adventure lineup had sold more than 50,000 units in a single year. The R nineT segment also saw a 9.6% increase with the introduction of three new models: Pure, Urban G/S and Racer. Besides that, 11,595 units of the new G 310 R and G 310 GS models were delivered. Even the sales of the six-cylinder models were positive, driven by the new K 1600 B (Bagger) especially in the US market. 6,719 units were sold, marking a 50% increase in sales.

Please click on the link below for more information.

Another Record Breaking Year for BMW Motorrad in 2017

Ducati

Ducati delivered a total of 55,871 units in 2017, constituting a scant 410 bike increase over 2016.

Please click on the link below for our earlier report.

Ducati sold over 55,800 bikes worldwide in 2017!

While the increase is small, it was still a positive result for the Audi/VW-owned Italian manufacturer.

Ducati has stated that every model was important to them, but it was the Multistrada 950 which proved to be the most popular. The Scrambler lineup continued to performed well, contributing to approximately 25% of total sales, augmented by the Desert Sled and Café Racer.

The two markets that saw strong growth was Spain at 28.3% (due to Jorge Lorenzo joining the MotoGP team?) and China at 31%.

Ducati is looking forward to the Panigale V4, Multistrada 1260, Scrambler 1100, the renewed 821 Monster and 959 Panigale to drive sales in 2018.

KTM Industries AG

Leading the charge is Austrian KTM Industries AG who reported a 17% increase in sales with 238,334 units in 2017. It’s KTM’s seventh year of record sales, in addition of being an all-time high in revenues and profit.

From the sales, KTM’s 2017 revenues increased 14% at EUR 1.533 billion. Net profit before taxes increased to EUR 117.0 million against EUR 108.9 million in 2016.

With the number of KTM and Husqvarna motorcycles sold in 2017, KTM says that it will “further strengthen our Number 1 position as the biggest motorcycle producer in Europe.”

Sales was further bolstered by the smaller capacity models built in India by KTM’s partner Bajaj Auto (namely the 250 and 390 Dukes and RCs), who sold 35,000 units in India along, besides exporting CKD kits to other countries including Malaysia.

Being aware that continual growth is imperative, KTM invested EUR 92 million in product development in 2017. Most of that investment incudes tools, machinery, plant and infrastructure focused on the new high-performance drivetrain production at Pankl and expansion of KTM’s R&D department at Mattighofen.

The entire investment program of EUR 179.6 million was financed by KTM Industries Group’s own cash flow. This strategy also saw suspension supplier, WP Group, fully integrated into KTM AG.

The continuing growth also saw an increase of 818 employees worldwide, bringing the total to 4,568 including in Austria.

KTM expects further growth of their core model segments in 2018, as they are also optimistic about the KTM 790 Duke and Huqvarna Vitpilen and Svartpilen. The Austrian manufacturer has targeted to sell 360,000 motorcycles annually by 2021 (up from the 2017 forecast of 300,000) and 400,000 for 2022.

The increased volume is envisaged as the result of KTM’s joint venture agreement with CFMoto in China to increase KTM’s presence in the Chinese market. KTM owns 49% of the venture known as CFMoto-KTMR2R.

Piaggio Group (Q3 2017)

The Italian manufacturer has not published its annual 2017 sales figures, but did see a 12.4% increase in the third quarter, representing 266,400 motorcycles. That translates to a net sales of € 771.8 million.

Piaggio Group owns a number of motorcycle brands, including Piaggio itself, Aprilia, Derbi, Gilera, Moto Guzzi, Scarabeo and Vespa.

However, Piaggio Group did not publish the sales figures for the individual brands. Moto Guzzi did say they were happy with the “positive sales trend of the V7.”

Triumph Motorcycles

We’ve also reported on Triumph Motorcycles’ growth, by a hefty 22%, no less! 2017 was Triumph’s best in 30 years. The increase equates to £90.9 million for a total of £498.5 million. Net profit before tax increased to £24.79 million.

A total of 63,404 units were sold, 86.1% of those outside of the UK.

Triumph has performed strongly considering the challenges of the current economic condition and currency fluctuations, besides uncertainties arising from Brexit. Triumph continues to focus on R&D, spending £29.2 million in 2017 compared to £26.9 million in the previous year.

As a result of that R&D, as mentioned by Chief Commercial Officer, Paul Stroud during our interview, Triumph has introduced 19 new models in the space of 2 years. Triumph launched 5 new bikes in 2017: Street Triple 765, Bonneville Bobber Black, Bonneville Speedmaster, Tiger 800 and Tiger 1200. The latter four bikes will be launched in Malaysia this weekend (3rd March 2018). Triumph has also revised the Speed Triple 1050.

Another exciting prospect is Triumph’s deal as the exclusive Moto2 engine supplier beginning 2019, which will bring even more recognition to the brand.

Please click on the link below for our earlier report on Triumph Motorcycles’ performance in 2017.

Triumph Motorcycles sees sales growth in 2017 – Over 63,000 sold!

 

  • Satu kerjasama antara Adventure Cycles Philippines Inc. bersama dengan KTM AG telah mengumumkan sebuah kilang pengeluaran baru yang akan dibuka di Filipina.
  • Kilang terbaru ini akan menjadi pusat utama yang akan menumpukan pemasangan empat model jalanan KTM; KTM 200 Duke dan 390 Duke bersama dengan KTM RC 200 dan RC 390.
  • Kilang ini akan memenuhi permintaan pengeluaran tahunan sebanyak 10,000 buah motosikal untuk membekalkan rantau itu dan negara China dengan model berkapasiti kecil.

(more…)

A joint-partnership between Adventure Cycles Philippines Inc. together with KTM AG has announced a new production plant to be opened in the Philippines.

This new plant will be the main centre focusing on assembling four of KTM’s street models; the KTM 200 Duke and 390 Duke together with the KTM RC 200 and RC 390.

The said plant will cater to an annual production of 10,000 lines off its assembly lines to supply the region with KTM’s small capacity models as far as China.

As part of their long term plant to further strengthen the brand’s name in the Asian region, Adventure Cycles Philippines Inc. together with KTM AG has come up with a new joint-venture endeavour with plans to build a new assembly plant. The said plant will cater to an annual production of 10,000 lines off its assembly lines. (more…)

KTM 1290 Super Duke GT launched by KTM Malaysia at RM125,080 (basic price with GST).

(more…)

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