Bajaj to launch Husqvarna brand in India in Jan 2017

Husqvarna and KTM will share engines with chassis and motorcycle design being the differentiating factors between the two brands

Bajaj Auto announced its plans to launch the Husqvarna brand in India in January 2017. This crucial bit of information was disclosed by the Pune-based two-wheeler manufacturer at its ninth Annual General Meeting. Husqvarna is a brand owned by KTM and is known for its dirt bikes across the world. Bajaj owns 47 per cent stake in KTM and manufactures its small displacement motorcycles, the KTM 200/390 Duke and RC 200/390 for sale in India and export to markets across the globe.

Enthusiasts in India have been waiting with bated breath for the launch of Husqvarna in the country. There have been reports earlier of KTM CEO Stefan Pierer announcing the entry of the dirt bike maker in India in 2017 with Vitpilen 401. The rumours also suggest that KTM and Husqvarna will use identical engine platforms with chassis and design being the differentiating factors between the two.

Reports also suggest that, according to Pierer, KTM's plans for India are limited to engines with displacement between 150cc and 400cc. It has been reported that Husqvarna Svartpilen and Vitpilen models will be made in India by Bajaj at its Chakan plant. Some reports claim that KTM also plans top open 88 dealerships across India in 2016.