“China is becoming an important supplier base for us that means many things are possible.”
In case you missed out, KTM is set to launch its 790 Duke in India on Monday. This would be a significant event for the partnership between KTM and Bajaj Auto. Not only that, China has become KTM’s key component in terms of global distribution. Prior to the 2017 EICMA motorcycle show in Milan, KTM signed a joint venture agreement with CFMoto, a familiar ally of KTM.
According to The Hindu Business Line, 790 Duke will be apart of the production plan in China. The global strategy here would involve Austria, India and China.
Photo credits: Teasdale Motorcycles
“China could become an interesting developed market, which is heading towards a Europe-like model for 500 cc-700 cc bikes,” says CEO of KTM, Stefan Pierer as quoted from the site.
“China is becoming an important supplier base for us that means many things are possible.”
Pierer also adds that the firm is considering launching higher displacement bikes for India. These bikes would be of maximum 800cc. Common parts were already coming in from Indian suppliers for the higher range bikes. The move to India is also fairly economical.
“Emerging markets are also turning premium and our mid-size motorcycles will head out there. What we are pretty pleased with in particular is the quality of the supplier base in India.”
Photo credits: RevZilla
As of now, the 790 Duke will be a fully built-up imported bike. Depending on the response, the firm could take it a step further by manufacturing the bikes in India while the facility in China continues to be the key hub. CFMoto is now the distributor for its motorcycles in China.
CFMoto currently has a production capacity of 50,000 motorcycles and it may potentially expand up to approximately 100,000 motorcycles is available Once the joint venture commences production, the 790 Duke will be distributed globally.
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