Following the financial rescue and successful relaunch of Austrian motorcycle manufacturer KTM, uncertainty is now rearing its head once again. Statements by Rajiv Bajaj, CEO of Indian co-owner Bajaj Auto, are causing concern and raising questions about the future of production in Mattighofen and Munderfing. His publicly expressed assessment that “European production is dead” is causing concern, particularly in Upper Austria – even though KTM currently emphasizes that there are no concrete plans to relocate.
Prototypes of new KTM twin models have recently been spotted in Europe. The motorcycles show clear differences from the familiar 790 or 890 series and leave room for speculation about the manufacturer's future mid-range strategy. What is striking are the rather simple chassis components, such as a conventional fork, a single brake disc ring at the front, and a simple swing arm. This equipment suggests an affordable platform that could be positioned in the 400 to 750 cc segment.
Pierer Mobility AG closed the first half of 2025 with surprisingly positive results – less due to operational success, however, and primarily due to a special accounting effect in the wake of the completed restructuring of KTM AG. The restructuring profit of €1.187 billion (approx. $1.29 billion) has ensured that the group's balance sheet has stabilized again. As a result, equity rose to €532 million (around $580 million), after still being negative at the end of 2024.
With the new EXC 6DAYS 2026 model series, KTM is once again launching a limited edition series specifically for the traditional FIM International Six Days Enduro. The special models are designed to impress not only with their technical finesse, but also with their distinctive appearance – in keeping with the spirit of the team competition, which will be held in Bergamo, Italy, in 2025.
KTM parts ways with X-Bow: Sports car division goes to investor group led by Belgian brewing dynasty
After many years, KTM is finally withdrawing from the automotive business. The Austrian motorcycle brand is selling its subsidiary KTM Sportcar GmbH, which has been responsible for the development and production of X-Bow sports cars since 2008. In future, the division will be continued by an international investor group headed by the Belgian industrialist family De Mevius – founders of the world's largest brewery group Anheuser-Busch InBev.
With the new KTM 160 Duke, the Austrian manufacturer is launching an entry-level motorcycle that stands out not only for its modern technology and sporty design, but also for its strategic importance within the group. The model is produced by KTM's Indian majority shareholder Bajaj Auto, which has recently invested heavily in the brand and is apparently aiming for a reorientation towards small, high-volume models.
KTM has released the first concrete details about the 690 Enduro R for the 2026 model year. Following a presentation at this year's Adventure Bike Rider Festival, the Austrian manufacturer has confirmed that the revised Enduro will be available at dealers from the beginning of next year. The focus is on a fundamental redesign of the well-known LC4 single-cylinder engine, but also on numerous innovations in the areas of electronics and ergonomics.
The financial restructuring of KTM AG and its sister companies KTM Components GmbH and KTM Forschungs & Entwicklungs GmbH has been officially completed. The Ried im Innkreis Regional Court confirmed the implementation of the restructuring plans after the statutory deadlines had expired. As announced by the parent company Pierer Mobility AG on June 17, 2025, creditors will now receive a one-time payment of 30 percent of their recognized claims. A total of around 525 million euros (approx. 560 million US dollars) will be transferred to creditors by June 30, 2025.
The KTM 450 Rally Replica 2026 represents the latest state of development in the rally-raid segment. Built on the basis of over two decades of Dakar experience and success, it is by far the closest motorcycle to the factory race bike. Developed and produced in Austria, it is limited to 150 units - supplemented by five extremely exclusive Sanders Edition models.
The financial and structural problems at Austrian motorcycle manufacturer KTM now also have direct consequences for one of its long-standing partners: Jensen Beeler, previously CEO of Krämer Motorcycles USA, has resigned from his position with immediate effect. The reason: supply bottlenecks, economic uncertainties - and a clear cut in the cost structure.
Pierer Mobility AG, the parent company of KTM, Husqvarna and GasGas, is about to make significant changes to its Supervisory Board. Three long-standing members - including Chairman Stephan Zöchling and his deputy Rajiv Bajaj - are stepping down as part of a strategic realignment. Friedrich Roithner, most recently also a member of the Supervisory Board, will also be stepping down. The changes will take effect at the end of the next Annual General Meeting on June 23, 2025.
The rumor mill surrounding an electric version of the KTM Duke has been given new fuel: An Instagram video by official KTM stunt rider Rok Bagoroš shows a near-production E-Duke prototype model for the first time at the KTM Motohall in Mattighofen. This confirms what Pierer Mobility had already announced in 2022: the iconic Duke naked bike series will soon also be available electrically.
The Austrian motorcycle brand KTM has stood for uncompromising motorsport for years - especially in MotoGP. KTM CEO Gottfried Neumeister has now commented on the company's long-term motorsport strategy in a detailed interview with the Salzburger Nachrichten newspaper. Despite economic caution and changing framework conditions, such as those that could accompany Liberty Media's entry into MotoGP, the course remains clear: KTM wants to remain true to racing.
The traditional Austrian motorcycle manufacturer KTM is facing a historic turning point: the Indian industrial group Bajaj is taking full control of the company, bringing an era to an end. The withdrawal of Stefan Pierer, the long-time string-puller behind KTM, marks the end of a decades-long era in Austrian industrial history. In the course of the insolvency proceedings, Bajaj takes over all debts and liabilities of KTM AG - and thus also the operational control.
The future of Austrian motorcycle manufacturer KTM seems secure for the time being - thanks to a massive financial commitment by Indian co-owner Bajaj. Just a few days before the legally stipulated deadline for satisfying creditors expires, there has been some movement in the restructuring process. The Indians have secured a loan of 566 million euros (approx. 614 million US dollars) via three international banks - an amount that should be sufficient to almost completely satisfy the creditors' share required in the restructuring plan.
KTM AG is facing a decisive moment in its corporate history. Around 600 million euros (approx. 648 million US dollars) and additional procedural costs must be transferred to the account of insolvency administrator Peter Vogl by May 23, 2025. This is the only way that the 30% repayment of debts to creditors promised by the court in February can be implemented. The deadline is not only a financial turning point, but also a symbolic one - and the company is working on two key areas to ensure its continued existence.
The news surrounding KTM has come to a dramatic head in recent months. The traditional Austrian motorcycle manufacturer, once celebrated as the innovation engine of the European motorcycle industry, is currently in a profound crisis. In addition to financial difficulties, production stoppages and internal power struggles, a potential buyer is now at the center of attention: the Canadian group Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP), known for brands such as Can-Am, Ski-Doo and Rotax.
The fastest MotoGP bike of all time is up for sale - but only for exhibition purposes and with a starting price in excess of €350,000 (around $375,000). The bike in question is Brad Binder's KTM RC16, with which the South African reached a record speed of 366.1 km/h (227.5 mph) on the Mugello Circuit in 2023. The bike still holds the official top speed record in MotoGP to this day.
The crisis at the Upper Austrian motorcycle manufacturer KTM has reached a new level of escalation. At the center are two key players: Stefan Pierer, long-time CEO and formative figure of KTM AG, and Stephan Zöchling, owner of the Remus Group and recently Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Pierer Mobility AG. A fierce conflict has broken out between the two entrepreneurs over millions of euros and share packages, which could have a significant impact on the fate of KTM.
The bad news continues at KTM: Just six weeks after the restart of production, the plant in Mattighofen is once again at a standstill. CEO Gottfried Neumeister announced in a video message that production will be paused from April 28, 2025 and is not expected to resume until July 27, 2025. The main reason for this is the lack of components as a result of the insolvency at the end of 2024.