Husqvarna Motorcycles, the famous European dirtbike brand is likely to make India its production hub. Its parent company KTM achieved considerable success since its launch in Indian two-wheeler market. Now the Austrian manufacturer is working on using India as production hub for Husqvarna’s on-road motorcycles and develop bikes for global market with Bajaj Auto at its Chakan Plant.

Company is initially planning to source engines and components from India and assemble the bikes at its Austrian facility for US and European sale starting from 2017. This could be followed by the introduction of these bikes in emerging markets like India while production could also commence in the sub-continent in the near future.

KTM chief executive Stefan Pierer said :
“The focus was previously on off-roaders. Now we are developing on-road models which are partly based on the engine platforms we are doing together with Bajaj. In model year 2017, we will launch the first models in Europe and then in the US. We are looking at how it works and then rolling out globally, coming basically back to India.”

The new Husqvarna motorcycles would be powered by 125cc and 390cc engines similar to what KTM using currently developed by Bajaj.

Stefan Pierer also said: “We are getting engines and components for the models from Chakan for assembly in Austria. Later on India could be part of the production plan. Bajaj is the most efficient producer and it helps us price our KTM entrance products very competitively in emerging markets. Together we could achieve very good quality levels on the products we sell globally.”

Bajaj, through subsidiary Bajaj Auto International Holdings, holds a 48% stake in KTM.