Is KTM eyeing Ducati?

- Ducati seen to be a favourable acquisition for KTM 

- KTM plans to sell over 2,65,000 motorcycles globally by 2020

- Possibility of platform sharing with Ducati 

Italian bike manufacturer, Ducati, might see a change in ownership as Stefan Pierer, CEO of KTM, has expressed an interest in purchasing the brand. In an interview with a German publication, Pierer spoke about KTM’s growth in the years and how Ducati would be favourable for the brand’s future plans.

The Austrian bike maker’s CEO spoke about his intentions to build KTM to be the third largest sports motorcycle manufacturer in the world by 2020 after Honda and Yamaha. The brand currently sells over 2,65,000 motorcycle in a year, which is a massive jump compared to the 6,000 units sold back in 1992. KTM has been one among the few brands globally that have sustained positive growth each year.

Pierer compared his plans to the platform sharing strategy adopted by Volkswagen, which turned out to be fruitful for the German giant. 

He sees this technique as a role model for the future growth of KTM which is visible in Husqvarna Motorcycles, previously owned by BMW.

Pierer makes a very good point with platform sharing – KTM is already doing it with the Husqvarna brand, whose products are differently styled KTMs, all said and done. And Ducatis also share a lot of KTM traits like twin cylinder engines, trellis frames, and the inclusion of electronics to make the riding experience better. If the acquisition happens, it will certainly benefit KTM by way of updating its supersport range of bikes, which currently max out at the RC390. Conversely, Ducati is yet to enter the 200-400cc segment in markets like India and SE Asia, where the growth and profit is the best in the current economic climate. 

Source - speedweek