The new era for KTM has officially begun. After weeks of rumors and speculation, Bajaj—already a major industrial partner—exercised its purchase option as part of the Pierer Mobility financing. As a result, the Indian company becomes the majority shareholder of Pierer Bajaj AG, thus gaining indirect control of KTM, the Austrian motorcycle jewel.
But while this power grab could worry the European motorcycle industry, Rajiv bajajCEO Bajaj Automotive, was keen to dispel any doubts during a strategic meeting with a delegation of Austrian companies led by Markus Achleitner, provincial economic affairs advisor.
During this meeting, relayed by Meinbezirk.at, Rajiv Bajaj He didn't beat around the bush. For him, this brand acquisition is " the beginning of a new era But above all, he emphasized what worries employees, suppliers, and public authorities the most: Matthighofen will not move.
The factory will remain the strategic heart of KTMas the Indian leader forcefully stated:
« KTM will always remain an Austrian company, a leader in research, design, development, engineering, competition, as well as in the production and distribution of high-end, large-displacement and specialized motorcycles, in its preferred markets! »
With these words, Bajaj buries the rumors of a relocation or transfer of heavy activities to India.
Mattighofen reassured: no production transfer, no closure of the KTM site
Rajiv bajaj also presented an ambitious roadmap for the brand and thus " do everything possible to ensure that KTM quickly and sustainably regains its leading position in the global motorcycle market ».
Before its financial restructuring, let us remember, KTM was the leading motorcycle manufacturer in Europe — a status that Bajaj wants to win back.
To that end, he emphasizes the complementarity between the two groups: KTM and Bajaj are independent entities, but perfectly complementary, without any conflict of interest »
The common goal? Setting new standards for the motorcycle industry in the future »
For Markus AchleitnerThis speech is a key signal: a clear commitment to maintaining the Austrian site, a positive message for employees, a guarantee for local subcontractors, and above all a direct response to fears of relocation.
Another reassuring element: Bajaj lacks the industrial capacity to absorb the production of the ranges KTM, at the very moment when the Indian company is pursuing its own expansion plans.
Following this takeover, an extraordinary general meeting is convened in Munderfing.
Two major points will be put to a vote: the change of name of the parent company of KTM, and the relocation of the headquarters from Wels to Mattighofen, right in the heart of production.
Symbolic and strategic decisions, which confirm that the future of KTM will be played in Austria, with Bajaj in charge, but Mattighofen is the capital.
