KTM, the global premium motorcycle brand, crossed a significant milestone as the one-millionth motorcycle – a KTM Adventure 390 – manufactured at Bajaj Auto’s Chakan plant in Pune rolled out on Friday.
With this, KTM and Bajaj Auto’s successful partnership has set a global benchmark for collaboration.
KTM has taken less than half the time to hit the second half-million milestone than the first. According to a press release, this showcases Bajaj’s prowess as a global manufacturing hub for motorcycles across categories.
The Chakan plant is now a key centre for exports with half the KTMs shipped to mature markets worldwide. Bajaj Auto co-develops and manufactures a range of motorcycles spanning KTM (125 cc to 390 cc) and Husqvarna (125 cc to 401 cc) brands.
Pierer Mobility AG (the parent company of KTM) has built a motorcycling culture and established its brands through global partnership. Brands like KTM, Husqvarna, GasGas and MV Augusta are well known worldwide.
Rajiv Bajaj, MD & CEO, Bajaj Auto, said, “When we inked our partnership in 2007, it was with the goal of affordable innovation that would reach KTM’s marquee brands to all parts of the globe. Fifteen years later, we have not only been successful but have also become strategic partners with a restructured ownership.”
Stefan Pierer, CEO – Pierer Mobility AG, added, “At Pierer Mobility AG, we abide by our four pillars of success. These include operating as a global entity, innovating continuously, getting the right talent, and building distinct brands worldwide. Our success in this partnership gives us great confidence about the future, where we will expand our portfolio into electric.”
KTM and Bajaj Auto plan to explore common themes, including zero-emission exhaust systems and light electric vehicles for urban environments, with an open approach to various battery solutions. The companies also have plans to develop a common 48 V electric two-wheeler platform for serial production in India and are working on taking the Chetak EV platform to Europe.
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