KTM-Bajaj To Buy Ducati? — KTM CEO, Stefan Pierer Shows Interest

This makes it the perfect time for the KTM-Bajaj partnership to consider bringing Ducati under them. Stefan Pierer relatesDucati as ‘the Ferrari of the motorcycle industry' and claims to have an emotional connection with the brand.

At this point, not much is clear, but there are several rumours regarding how KTM will incorporate Ducati in their future brand strategies. Some of these rumours revolve around a new motorcycle sharing its platform with the likes of both.

Recently, KTM made it official that they are developing a 500cc parallel-twin motorcycle exclusively for the Indian market. If the acquirement does happen, we can even expect a Bajaj-Ducati co-developed product in the future.

However, Volkswagen cannot easily go ahead with the sale due to the strong opposition from the labour union; though it won't stay for long. KTM-Bajaj already owns the Swedish motorcycle brand, Husqvarna U2014 — soon to make a debut in India.

KTM aims to be the third largest motorcycle brand in the world by 2020, after Honda and Yamaha. This year, the company sold 2.7 lakh units; a good majority in India through Bajaj Auto which owns 47.99% of shares in KTM.

Thoughts On The KTM-Bajaj Buying Ducati

Bajaj and KTM are major players in the affordable and middle-class motorcycle segments, respectively. Meanwhile, Ducati is arguably the most popular name in the premium motorcycle market in the world. For the same reason, acquiring Ducati will open a wider business opportunity for the Indian/Austrian motorcycle group.

Source: Speed Week