Bajaj Auto to start making KTM's Husqvarna, one of the world's oldest bike brands, at Chakan

Two-wheeler major Bajaj Auto has firmed up a plan to start producing the Husqvarna range - one of the world’s oldest motorcycle brands - at its Pune plant, media reports said. The brand is owned by KTM of Austria, in which Bajaj Auto has a 48 percent stake. According to an official statement, the decision to manufacture in India is part of a joint strategy of Bajaj and KTM to take the brand global. [caption id=“attachment_3774605” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Husqvarna TE 2501[/caption] In India, the bikes will be sold through the KTM outlets, according to a report in The Hindu BusinessLine. The bikes made at the Chakan plant will be shipped to other markets too, the report said citing S Ravikumar, president - business development, Bajaj Auto. According to a report in The Economic Times, Bajaj Auto expects KTM and Husqvarna brands to bring in Rs 3,000 crore revenue going forward. The Husqvarna is expected to help the Indian company have a stronger presence in the premium segment bike market. According to the HBL report, the Husqvarna bike sales had hit 30,000 mark in 2016. The arrangement also signals that better synergies are evolving between both the companies, which are celebrating 10th anniversary of partnership. According to the company website, the first Husqvarna’s motorcycle - a motorised cycle - was rolled out in 1903 in Sweden. It is claimed to be “the oldest motorcycle manufacturer with uninterrupted production”. In July 2007, BMW bought the brand and then in 2013 it was sold to Pierer Industries AG, headed by Stefan Pierer, current CEO of KTM.