KTM's Husqvarna To Be Built In India By Bajaj

By Ganesh

Updated: Friday, December 13, 2013, 10:32 [IST]

A brief history lesson about Husqvarna Motorcycles for those coming across the name for the very first time. Also affectionately referred to as ‘Husky' it is one of the oldest motorcycle brands in the world, having come into existence in the early 1900s.

The Swedish motorcycle brand's strong point has always been Motocross, Enduro and off road racing in general, having held more than a dozen World Championship titles. As such it has turned into an exclusive off-road motorcycle brand. But commercially Husqvarna hasn't had much luck.

For a long time Husqvarna was a brand under Italian MV Agusta Motorcycles. In 2007 ownership was passed on to BMW, who tried turn it profitable by developing street mototcycles under the brand. However, the new owners could not turn its fortune, finally resulting in a sale to Pierer Industrie AG in 2013, a private holding company owned by Stephan Pierer, CEO of KTM.

Husqvarna has been kept in a dormant stage ever since it came under the control of Stephan Pierer. What's interesting is that KTM itself is an established off-road motorcycle brand. Earlier this week, at a press conference held in New Delhi, Stephan Pierer revealed, for the first time, plans to manufacture bikes with the Husqvarna badge.

Also Read: KTM RC390 Revealed - Images & Details

Like the Duke lineup, Husqvarna branded Motorcycles will be built in India by Bajaj, though finer details are yet to emerge. So, we don't expect to see Huskies in India anytime before 2015. More specific details will emerge over the months. Till then we have plenty of other exciting developments to keep us busy.

This includes the arrival of KTM RC200 and RC390 in India next year, also something that was confirmed by Stephan Pierer. Are you excited?