The possibility of Audi putting Ducati up for sale has already been mentioned on numerous occasions…
Until now, this has not been the case but, this time, it is KTM which declares its interest in the takeover, through an exclusive and very explicit interview with its boss on the German-language site speedweek.
The man does not generally speak in a vacuum and his business success makes all his words credible: KTM went from 150 employees and 6 motorcycles sold in 000 to 1992 employees and 5 motorcycles sold in 000, single or twin cylinders.
So, after Husqvarna in 2012, will the Mattighofen firm really offer the 4 cylinders from Borgo Panigale to crown its range?
Stefan pierer : “I am very satisfied with our motorcycle activity this year, but I feel an overall change. Europe did very well in 2018. But we don't know how Brexit will affect it. In America, we have an unpredictable president. We don't know what will happen tomorrow. Regardless, the US market as a whole is down slightly, but our segment there is up slightly. Harley-Davidson is under a lot of pressure.
We must prepare for some consolidation. We will no longer experience double-digit growth, but will have to adapt to single-digit growth rates. After seven or eight years of success, we are faced with new challenges.”
After this economic overview, the big boss of KTM explains his vision to complete its range upwards…
“Even if our Indian partner (Bajaj) did its best, to be able to offer a three-cylinder engine, Triumph should have joined our group, which I exclude. The four-cylinder is Ducati's new spearhead, and Ducati is already under pressure. I have an emotional relationship with Ducati. Ducati is Ducati, there's nothing wrong with that. The only brand that would still suit us is Ducati. Everything else you can forget. MV Agusta is too small.”
Acquire Ducati? Stefan Pierer shares his approach to the problem…
“The diesel and e-mobility business may soon give Audi other priorities than operating a motorcycle factory. Ducati is the Ferrari of the motorcycle industry. It would of course be interesting to have such a brand in our group. It's not about the price, it's more about, "When will everyone realize what situation we're in?" » We are facing new challenges in terms of approval, for example we have Euro 5, and noise will be a hot topic in 2024. Demographic developments in Europe are also one. Today, you have to go to Asia for the motorcycle trade, to India. If you don't succeed, you might be finished one day. Ducati is not about purchase price, but about reasoning: "How can we become stronger together?" " Time will tell… "
