onetrack Posted February 24 Posted February 24 (edited) I was quite surprised to learn that the majority of the KTM manufacturing enterprises have gone into administration, and are essentially bankrupt. The parent company of KTM is Pierer Industrie AG, which owns a wide range of mobility companies, manufacturers, and suppliers and logistics support operations. However, the scenario is extremely complex, due to the web of companies and joint ventures indulged in by Pierer AG. However, there is no guarantee that KTM as a motorcycle and power units manufacturer, will survive. It appears that KTM motorcycle racing operations may be axed completely, or seriously curtailed. It seems that KTM's problems originated in an excessive amount of factory production over the last 2-3 years that could not be sold, due to economic downturns in their markets and regions. There were also build quality issues. KTM's corporate structure is about as complex as Sanjeev Guptas, and appears to be about as profitable as well, too (i.e., constant major losses) - so only time will tell, as what comes out of this massive Austrian group restructure. Pierer AG had recently purchased MV Augusta, and also owned Husqvarna motorcycles (but not Husqvarna power products). The ownership of MV Augusta appears to be set to be returned to the original Italian owners. Pierer AG also owned a sizeable percentage of CFMoto. In addition, KTM was in JV with the Indian company Bajaj Auto, and apparently has a big following in India. Bajaj are now preparing to pump 150,000,000 Euros into their Netherlands-based subsidiary, Bajaj Auto International Holdings BV, to assist in support of the KTM-Bajaj Autos JV operations. https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/corporate/story/bajaj-auto-invests-rs-1364-crore-in-bankruptcy-bound-ktm-465528-2025-02-21 One of KTM's dead-loss exercises in recent times, was to buy a family-owned foundry in Sept 2024, that did a lot of castings for KTM. The foundry purchase was almost immediately followed by Pierer AG going into administration. The Vöcklabrucker Metallgießerei GmbH foundry had been operating successfully for 70 years, and was set to celebrate its 70th anniversary in 2025. KTM was preparing to sack all 134 employees of the foundry, when it was saved at the last minute by being purchased as a going concern by another family-owned Austrian foundry, Mettec Guss Metallgießerei und Formenbau GmbH. https://www.rideapart.com/features/746071/ktm-powersports-ties-motorcycle-industry/#:~:text=KTM AG is the motorcycle,undergoing self-administered restructuring efforts. https://au.motorsport.com/motogp/news/pierer-industrie-ag-avoids-insolvency-decision-on-ktm-imminent/10697462/ https://www.msn.com/en-za/news/other/family-metal-foundry-saves-a-business-the-ktm-insolvency-nearly-killed/ar-AA1zw6iK?ocid=finance-verthp-feeds Edited February 24 by onetrack 1
facthunter Posted February 24 Posted February 24 You are correct. Insiders have known about it for quite a while.. Nev 1
spacesailor Posted February 24 Posted February 24 AH well . Bring back the BSA Bantam ! . LoL spacesailor 2
spacesailor Posted February 24 Posted February 24 (edited) I had a BSA 250 Empire star !. 1937 with engine number 706 . ( girder forks , no pilion seat ). Worth a fortune now , that it's long gone . spacesailor Edited February 24 by spacesailor Pic added 2
onetrack Posted February 24 Author Posted February 24 My stepfather owned a mid-1930's Brough Superior SS100 when he was a young bloke in the U.K., before and after WW2! He emigrated to Australia in the late 1950's, and he sold the bike when he left, for not much money. He always cried about how he wished he'd kept it!
Jerry_Atrick Posted February 24 Posted February 24 I never really liked the current crop oif KTM machines.. Don't know why... 1
facthunter Posted February 24 Posted February 24 They are very popular in Extreme Enduro. The ROAD models don't seem to do high Miles. They get worked hard. Used a lot on runs to Cape York. .Nev 1
facthunter Posted February 24 Posted February 24 Spacey, you'd be disappointed with how little that BSA would fetch today. There's not a Great Market for them. Nev 1
spacesailor Posted February 25 Posted February 25 MY last ( long ago )check , was £25,000 . Mother's boyfriend sold it behind my back, for a few shillings gambling money. After I was offered ! , A new bike ( of my choice ) and £2,000 by the BSA dealership Manager. spacesailor 1
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