The Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 and the Svartpilen 401 will be launched in early 2018. The first few models will be made at KTM’s factoryinAustria, before the manufacturing is transferred to India. KTM’s Mattighofen facility will also manufacture the Vitpilen 701.
As per the business agreement, Bajaj will manufacture all KTM motorcycles up to 400cc at their Chakan facility. These two new Husqvarnas are based on the KTM 390 Duke. So a lot of cycle parts are shared between these bikes. Bajaj and its vendors manufacture most of the entry-level KTM components in India. So making the 401s here makes sense as the cost of manufacturing will be lower, thanks to economies of scale.
We’re expecting Bajaj to launch the Svartpilen 401 and Vitpilen 401 bikes in India 2018. With Kawasaki now out ofitsprobiking showroom, there’s enough space to accommodate a second brand. But we are expecting the Pune-based manufacturer to position the Husqvarnas above the KTM.
Official Press Release:
Stefan Pierer, CEO of KTM AG and Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director of BAJAJ AutoLtd., decided on the strategy to take Husqvarna Motorcycles brand global and scale up the business multiple times.
The first models, Vitpilen 401, Svartpilen 401 and Vitpilen 701 will be produced in Mattighofen, Austria, and launched in early 2018. Later in 2018, the Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401 production for the global markets will be transferred to Bajaj’s Chakan factory.
Husqvarna Motorcycles, founded in 1903, is the world’s second oldest motorcycle brand, for which KTM has secured a long-term license agreement in the year 2013. After its new positioning, the volumes have sharply gone up to an all-time high with over 30,000 units sold in 2016. This enlargement of the cooperation to the Husqvarna Motorcycles brand will elevate the partnership between BAJAJ and KTM to the next level.
Increase of KTM and Husqvarna branded motorcycles, produced in India, from expected 100,000 in 2017 to over 200,000 units in the next years
BAJAJ aims to sell Husqvarna motorcycles at a similar level asKTM products in India and Indonesia. The Chakan produced “Joint Products” volume for the global market, which is planned to exceed 100,000 units in 2017, is expected to double to 200,000 units sold in the next years.
KTM and Bajaj celebrate their 10th anniversary of strategic partnership
BAJAJ Auto – the Pune/India-based producer of motorcycles and commercial vehicles and KTM – Europe’s biggest motorcycle producer based in Austria, are celebrating the 10th anniversary of their partnership this year. The product lines DUKE 200, 250, 390 and RC 200 - 390 are produced in Bajaj´s production facility in Chakan/India and are distributed by the two partners globally.

Source: Bajaj Auto




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