KTM clocked sales of 8,500 units of its 200 Duke motorcycle to emerge as the highest selling premium motorcycle brand in the country and plans to introduce two new models by 2014

After Bajaj Auto purchased 47% stake in the company, Austrian brand KTM made its Indian debut in January 2012 with the 200 Duke. KTM is a well known brand in Europe for its rugged moto-cross bikes, but was an unknown name in our country and it was a huge task for them to create brand awareness among the masses. They started their Indian operations with the premium naked bike, 200 Duke which is powered by a 200cc liquid cooled mill pumping 25.3PS of power.

The 200 Duke was well received by consumers and was instant hit among the youth who got their hands on a no-nonsense performance street bike with ample power without shelling out a fortune. KTM was able to price the bike so competitively due to its association with Bajaj who enabled the Austrian brand to localise majority of its components instead of importing them.

Now a year down since its introduction the 200 Duke has registered sales of 8,500 units which has enabled KTM to become the highest selling premium motorcycle brand (brands whose entire product portfolio is priced above Rs 1 lakh ex-showroom) in the country. The Austrian brand has also been very innovative in its marketing strategy by organising events like Orange Day and Orange rides all over the country. The Orange Day specially has been a hit among its consumers since it gives them an opportunity to race their steeds with fellow riders in a controlled environment.