For many people, KTM is synonymous with performance. After all, motorcycling touches the human senses and moves the mind. It induces a state of intense hyper-reality. And if that isn’t enough, KTM is also known for winning the Dakar Rally back-to-back. The company is widely respected for its high performance, and has a history of success in motocross, women’s MX, the Atlas Rally, and the Rally du Maroc.
The company’s first production cycle, the LC4 (LC4, for short), was launched in 1988. This was a big deal because it would be the first LC4-based motorcycle. In 1992, KTM decided to award a design contract to Gerald Kiska, who had already won the LC4-based bike design contest. Since then, Kiska’s team has been responsible for the company’s development and launch.
Since the company’s humble beginnings as a small car and motorcycle repair shop, KTM has risen to become a motorsport giant. The company’s history reveals an uncanny ability to innovate and endure great comebacks. The company has worked tirelessly to keep staff motivated and its products relevant. Now, the company is breaking into the sports bike and tourer arena, and launching new models. With a history of success in motorsport, KTM is well-positioned to stay competitive and continue delivering high-quality bikes.
Although most KTM bikes are regarded as tough off-roaders, the company has long been interested in radical technology. The company created KTM Technologies, a collaboration between its KTM Sportcar and Kiska design studio. This joint venture streamlines KTM’s research and design ambitions. By taking ideas from conception to prototype, KTM has produced some of the most interesting innovations in motorcycling history. For more information, please visit KTM’s website at www.au.
Husqvarna AB, founded in 1899, is another iconic Austrian motorcycle brand. The company’s logo is a classic two-stroke, and the letter “T” is raised above the rest of the logo. This raises the letter’s importance and suggests respectability. Similarly, orange is perceived as softer than red, which suggests reliability and responsibility in the production process. This makes Husaberg’s logo look even more impressive and recognizable.
During 2008, KTM introduced its X-Bow, a lightweight two-seat sports car powered by an Audi engine. The lightweight vehicle was initially expected to sell 1,000 units a year, but KTM officials reduced this goal to 200 or 300 units annually. The production of the X-Bow will be suspended in Graz until January. The car was originally featured at the Race of Champions event in London and will be used in similar competitions this year.
A new home in Bangladesh for the world-famous motorcycle manufacturer KTM is a step toward sustainability and social responsibility. The company collaborated with local brand Runner Automobile to create a new factory in Bangladesh and pledges to Think Global, Act Local. Although the company has been in business for over 80 years, it was recently split into four separate companies. Husqvarna, a brand of motorcycles first founded in Sweden, was acquired by KTM AG in 2013. The company is known for producing motocross bikes, enduro motorcycles, and dual-purpose bikes.
