PTI reports that KTM is planning to launch the Husqvarna brand in India by 2020, and the production is likely to begin by late 2019.
Bajaj Auto’s production facility at Chakan will produce the Husqvarna products. Currently, the plant is capable of producing 1 lakh KTM motorcycles; and the Indian automaker plans to add another 1 lakh production capacity for Husqvarna bikes. This would bring the total production capacity to 2 lakhs for both the brands combined. On the sidelines of 2017 EICMA, KTM CEO Stefan Pierer told PTI:
It has been agreed upon and they (Husqvarna bikes) should be launched in India by 2020. That means by the end of 2019 the manufacturing should begin at Chakan. This year we are already touching 1 lakh units with KTM programme. With Husqvarna, we want to double it to 2 lakh units.
Also Read: Husqvarna Vitpilen 701 & Husqvarna Svartpilen 701 Concept unveiled at 2017 EICMA show
Pierer also stated that two brands from Husqvarna- the White Arrow and the Black Arrow (Vitpilen & Svartpilen) will be rolled out from the Chakan plant. The brand plans to manufacture motorcycles with the engine capacities from 150cc to 390 cc on similar platforms as that of KTM. As per Pierer the Austrian company is discussing with Bajaj about their plans to distribute products in the international market like Israel, and African countries including Ghana, Uganda, and Ethiopia. He added that the plans would be achieved in a year.
Also Read: Production Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 now in final pre-launch testing
Currently, Bajaj-KTM manufactures the Duke range in 200, 250 and 390 guises; and the RC twins – RC200 & RC 390. Once the Swedish brand's India operations commence, expect the brand to bring the 401 twins- Vitpilen and Svartpilen first. Bajaj is bullish about the brand, and feels that it would attract a larger population than KTM in India.
[Source: PTI via ET Auto]
