Swedish motorcycle brand Husqvarna is reportedly planning to start India operations in 2017. The company is owned by KTM in which Bajaj Auto has a stake.
During an annual general meeting (AGM), Rajiv Bajaj announced that Husqvarna will debut in the Indian market in January, 2017 reports Zigwheels. The company had unveiled Vitpilen and Svartpilen concepts at the 2015 EICMA in Milan in November 2015. The production spec of these concepts is expected to be unveiled in the 2016 EICMA show and that will be the first models to be launched in the country.
KTM boss Stefan Pierer already confirmed both Husqvarna bikes will be based on the 2017 KTM 390 Duke. Both Vitpilen and Svartpilen will share powerplant, frame and cycle parts with the 390 Duke. One of the motorcycles is expected to get 375cc engine from the 390 Duke. This is the same engine that will also power the upcoming Bajaj Pulsar CS400. Husqvarna range of motorcycles is expected to be sold via the official KTM dealerships across the country. It will be priced premium over the KTM range bikes.
Bajaj Autos' Chakan plant in Pune currently serves as the global production hub for the KTM Duke and RC range of motorcycles. The Husqvarna motorcycles will also be manufactured at this facility. KTM acquired Husqvarna AG from the BMW Group in 2013 and renamed it Husqvarna Motorcycles GmbH.