India-made Husqvarna to be rolled out by 2017

Hinting at a possible launch of the India-made Husqvarna dirt bikes sometime in 2017, Bajaj Auto has reportedly given enthusiasts a sneak peek into the company’s plans for this division. A report states, Bajaj Auto’s senior vice-president (Pro Biking), Amit Nandi saying that ‘two years in a rapidly-evolving market is a long time’ and has thus sparked speculations of Husqvarnas being rolled out from India within this period.

We had reported last year that motorbike manufacturer KTM is now going to use the country as the production hub for its dirtbike division Husqvarna Motorcycles’ new on-road offerings. Targeting European markets initially, the Swedish company’s volume bikes – Vitpilen and Svartpilen – are expected to be developed by KTM with partner Bajaj Auto at its Chakan facility.

As far as Indian markets are concerned, there is no immediate plan to introduce Husqvarna models in the country. “We still have a long distance to go in terms of establishing KTM itself in the Indian market, before fragmenting our customer base to yet another brand,” said Nandi.

KTM recently inaugurated its ninth brand outlet in Telangana, which is the 262nd showroom across the country. KTM plans to add 88 more dealerships in India by 2017.

India has emerged as a key base for exporting 125cc, 200cc and 390cc bikes for KTM because of the benefits of low-cost production accruing from its partnership with Bajaj. It gives them access to high-volume segments for better business. 

KTM is expected to close this financial year with a 30,000 unit-sale and thereby a 25 per cent market share in the entry-level performance motorcycle segment.