Austrian motorcycle manufacturer Husqvarna Motorcycles is all set to re-enter the on-road motorcycle segment, having unveiled the Vitpilen and Svartpilen concepts at the 2015 EICMA in Milan in November 2015. According to latest reports, the production-spec Vitpilen and Svartpilen will be manufactured at Bajaj's Chakan plant in Maharashtra from next year.
"Two years in a rapidly-evolving market is a long time," Business Standard quoted Amit Nandi, senior vice-president (pro biking), Bajaj Auto, as saying, as he hinted at a possible start of production of Husqvarna bikes in 2017 from India. The Austria-based motorcycle-maker will likely use India as a production hub for its upcoming volume-selling motorcycles.
Bajaj Autos' Chakan plant in Pune currently serves as the global production hub for the KTM Duke and RC range of motorcycles. Hence, it would be easier for KTM to procure engines and components from India. The Husqvarna and KTM motorcycles are expected share platforms. The new Husqvarna motorcycles will be powered by 125cc and 390cc engines, which in all probability will be the current KTM engines developed jointly with Bajaj Auto.
KTM acquired Husqvarna AG from the BMW Group in 2013 and renamed it Husqvarna Motorcycles GmbH. The company has not talked of any plans to enter the Indian market any time soon.
