- Bajaj will reportedly launch KTM-owned Husqvarna brand after 1 April BS-VI deadline
- Wants to avoid competition with discounted BS-IV models
- To bring high-end KTMs, updated Pulsars and Dominar models at the same time
Bajaj is all set to introduce a new KTM-owned Swedish motorcycle brand, Husqvarna, in India. As we had reported earlier this year, the Chakan-based bike maker had planned to bring in its new partner by the end of this year. However, a new report now suggests that Husqvarna’s debut has been postponed and it will be launched post 1 April 2020, after the BS-VI emission norms become operational.
The revelation was made by the executive director of Bajaj Auto, Rakesh Sharma, in an interview. He said that the production of Husqvarna models will commence in India by the end of this year, which will be exported to other markets. This will be followed by their India launch by the first quarter of next year.
Notably, Husqvarna motorcycles will be directly introduced with BS-VI motor. And as stated by the top official of Bajaj, the company doesn’t want its BS-VI models to compete with the BS-IV two-wheelers which will be sold at heavy discounts as the April deadline starts approaching. This will sway the customer’s attention from the new Husqvarna entrants.
Besides Husqvarna, Bajaj is reportedly taking the same approach with other line-up of new products it plans to launch in the coming months. The company has pipelined a wide range of motorcycles including high-end KTMs along with new Pulsar and Dominar models. These will also see the light of the day after April 2020.
Initially, Bajaj will launch the Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 and Vitpilen 401 in India which will be manufactured at the brand’s Chakan facility. Both bikes will borrow the engine, gearbox and main frame from the KTM 390 Duke which is also produced at the same facility. However, the Huskies will get a different tuning for their motor to suit their character.
