Press Release

20 January 2023

One millionth KTM motorcycle races out of Bajaj Auto’s Chakan plant in Pune

• KTM’s global leadership further strengthens with its partnership with Bajaj Auto
• Bajaj Auto’s Chakan plant firmly establishes itself as a global manufacturing hub for premium motorcycle exports
• Half of the KTMs manufactured in India are exported globally to mature markets

20^th January 2023, Pune: KTM, the world’s No 1 premium motorcycle brand, crossed a significant milestone as the one-millionth motorcycle – a KTM Adventure 390 – manufactured at Bajaj Auto Limited’s Chakan plant in Pune rolled out. With this milestone, KTM and Bajaj Auto’s successful partnership set a global benchmark for collaboration between the two automotive titans. KTM has taken less than half the time to hit the second half-million milestone than the first, indicating a meteoric growth in the brand’s adoption.

The achievement showcases Bajaj Auto’s prowess as a global manufacturing hub for motorcycles across categories. Bajaj Auto’s Chakan plant emerges as a key centre for exports in the country, given that half the KTMs were shipped to mature markets worldwide. Bajaj Auto co-develops and manufactures a range of motorcycles spanning KTM (125cc to 390cc) and Husqvarna (125cc to 401cc) brands. Many of the models produced here have cutting-edge technology like Motorcycle Traction Control, Cornering ABS, Supermoto ABS, Quickshifter+, and TFT displays which have been firsts in the segment. Most importantly, these introductions have led to an upgrade in the technology landscape of Indian motorcycles as well as the vendor ecosystem.

Pierer Mobility AG (the parent company of KTM) has built a motorcycling culture and established its brands through partnerships worldwide. Brands like KTM, Husqvarna, GasGas and MV Augusta are known worldwide for their high-performance features and sharp positioning.

Over the years, KTM India has established itself as the leading sports motorcycle brand through a robust, pan-India network of more than 460 dealers for these iconic brands. Initiatives like Pro-XP rides, which have seen 40,000 bikers participating in more than 400 events, have helped spread pro-biking and develop the racing DNA in India.

To mark this historic occasion, Mr Stefan Pierer, CEO – Pierer Mobility AG and Mr Rajiv Bajaj, MD & CEO – Bajaj Auto Limited were present at the company’s Chakan plant. The duo recounted the remarkable journey of KTM in India and spoke about the extraordinary success story of KTM’s global journey.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Rajiv Bajaj, MD & CEO – Bajaj Auto Limited., said, “Motorcycles are our strength, and the one-millionth KTM milestone is a testimony to that. 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. 15 years later, we have not only been successful but have also become strategic partners with a restructured ownership. Given our similar cultures, a sustainable and trusted cooperation has been built that will soon extend to electric vehicles and next-gen technologies. One million has been achieved. There are many more to go!”      

Talking about the development, Mr Stefan Pierer, CEO – Pierer Mobility AG, said, “This is indeed a momentous occasion for both KTM and Bajaj Auto.  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 position as a global mobility group is built on the right partners who are passionate about delivering excellence. Our constant drive to innovate and the ability to build strong brands across markets have found resonance with Bajaj Auto. Our success in this partnership gives us great confidence about the future, where we will expand our portfolio into electric and maintain our position as leaders in the powered two-wheeler industry."

KTM and Bajaj Auto Limited 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-volt electric two-wheeler platform for serial production in India and are working on taking the Chetak EV platform to Europe.

About KTM

True to its “Ready to Race” philosophy, KTM has an unparalleled legacy in motorsports, with over 325+ world championships since 1953, winning the Dakar Rally for the 19^th time in 2023. Since its entry in 2012, KTM India has grown its presence to more than 450 stores across the country. KTM has built a strong customer base of nearly half a million biking enthusiasts, making India the largest global market for KTM. The partnership of Bajaj Auto Limited and KTM was inked in 2007, with Bajaj Auto Limited now owning a significant stake in KTM AG.

About Bajaj Auto

With 18 million motorcycles sold in over 79 countries, the Bajaj brand is truly “The World’s Favourite Indian”. It is India’s No.1 motorcycle exporter, with two out of three bikes exported from India carrying a Bajaj badge. The company is also the world’s largest manufacturer of three-wheelers. Bajaj Auto is the first two-wheeler company in the world to have reached a market cap of INR one trillion and continues to be the world’s most valuable two-wheeler and three-wheeler company. It has been delivering products with best-in-class design and technology built on uncompromised quality for the past 75 years. The company’s unwavering commitment towards new product initiatives has made it future-ready.

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Annexure: A timeline of the partnership