KTM’s dirt bike subsidiary Husqvarna is gearing up to re-enter the on-road market after a long sabbatical. The range of small and medium displacement street bikes which were previewed by the Vitpilen and Svartpilen concepts are inching towards production and will share their platforms with comparable KTM siblings.
Since Bajaj’s Chakan plant in Pune serves as a global production hub for the KTM Duke and RC range of (125, 200, 250 and 390) motorcycles, it’s logical to use the same facility to produce the new Husqvarna range. Talking to Economic Times, Stefan Pierer, CEO, KTM, revealed that engines and components for Husqvarna on-road motorcycles will be sourced from India and assembled in Austria for European and American markets.
New Husqvarna on-road range of motorcycles will initially be assembled in Austria from India-sourced components.
The motorcycles will be market ready in early 2017 and based on the response in initial target markets, the new products would be launched in other international markets including India. Mr. Pierer also stated that while initial assembly would take place in Austria, India could be a part of the production plan later on.
Also read – Husqvarna Vitpilen 701 concept unveiled at EICMA 2015
Bajaj owns 48% stake in KTM and has been playing a crucial part in keeping the prices of popular Dukes and RCs attractive in the international markets with its advantage of low production cost. It’s only natural for the European two wheeler giant to extend that advantage to the Husqvarna brand as well.
Husqvarna 701 Concept – Photos
Via – Economictimes.Indiatimes.com
