After scripting their success story here in India, the Bajaj-KTM partnership will look to replicate the same in Indonesia, which is also one of the largest two-wheeler markets.
Back in 2012, when KTM teamed up with Bajaj and launched the Duke 200, it turned into an instant success for the Austrian motorcycle manufacturer. The bike sold in good numbers despite it being priced higher than the other 200cc offerings in the market, and KTM simply repeated its success with the Duke 390 and the RC twins. Now, after establishing themselves in the Indian market, KTM expects to garner similar attention and numbers, in the highly competitive Indonesian motorcycle market.
The move does makes sense for KTM, as Indonesia being a developing nation, there is a high demand for low cost performance motorcycles. Also, the strategy that KTM will follow is the same they did here in India; team up with Bajaj and rely on its manufacturing and service expertise while providing the best possible technology. And As far as sales are concerned, the bikes will be distributed through exclusive KTM dealerships that will be directly managed by Bajaj Auto.
Under the arrangement, KTM will sell motorcycles with a displacement below 400cc and will look to target the entry level performance segment. Coincidently, Yamaha has launched the R15 and Xabre, which is a street-naked version of the R15, at the Indonesian International Motor Show so that should certainly spice things up.
However, since the Bajaj-KTM duo will be losing the home advantage in Indonesia, it will be very difficult to predict whether or not they will be able to strike a chord with Indonesian buyers. Moreover, the bikes will most likely be manufactured at Bajaj’s Chakan plant and exported from India via the CKD route.
Bajaj-KTM To Enter Indonesia
– KTM plans to sell its motorcycles under 400cc in Indonesia
– It will bank on the Bajaj-KTM success story in India and look to replicate the same
– The motorcycles will be distributed through exclusive KTM dealerships managed by Bajaj Auto
– The bikes will have to be imported via the CKD route
