Like a puzzle waiting to be solved, the ownership of Husqvarna dirt bikes is a topic that piques curiosity. Who holds the reins of this renowned brand, guiding it through the twists and turns of the motorcycle industry?
The answer lies in a fascinating journey of ownership changes, from its early days to the present. So, buckle up and prepare to uncover the hidden story behind Husqvarna's ownership, and discover what it means for these iconic dirt bikes.
Key Takeaways
- Husqvarna has had several changes in ownership before being acquired by KTM in 2013.
- KTM's acquisition of Husqvarna aimed to reduce development costs and revitalize the brand's off-road models.
- Husqvarna is currently under the ownership of KTM AG, along with the KTM and Gas Gas motorcycle brands.
- Husqvarna has a strong presence in off-road racing and a commitment to performance and durability.
Pre-KTM Ownership
Before being acquired by KTM in 2013, Husqvarna had undergone several changes in ownership, ultimately becoming part of the BMW Motorrad family in 2007.
Husqvarna, a renowned motorcycle manufacturer with a rich history dating back to 1689, has a strong presence in the off-road and motocross industry.
In 1987, the Husqvarna motorcycle division was sold to Cagiva MV Agusta, and it later became part of MV Agusta before being purchased by BMW Motorrad. During this period, Husqvarna continued to produce high-quality dirt bikes and motorcycles, including the groundbreaking 500cc model introduced in 1983.
The acquisition by BMW Motorrad in 2007 aimed to rejuvenate the brand and expand its off-road lineup. Under BMW ownership, Husqvarna introduced a range of off-road models, from 49cc to 293cc, and 4-stroke models from 250cc to 510cc. In addition, the company also introduced the children's electric EE5 motorcycle.
Despite being acquired by KTM in 2013, Husqvarna still retains its distinct brand identity and product lineup, offering a range of off-road and street-legal motorcycles, including the TE 300i with electronic fuel injection and the FE 501s dual-sport motorcycle.
Acquisition by KTM
KTM, a leading motorcycle manufacturer, acquired Husqvarna from BMW in a significant consolidation move in the motorcycle industry. This acquisition was made by KTM owner, Stefan Pierer, with the aim of reducing development costs for modern motorcycles and reviving Husqvarna's aging off-road models.
KTM already owns the Husaberg brand, and the acquisition of Husqvarna further strengthens their position in the market. Husqvarna, as a motorcycle brand, is now owned by KTM AG and is established as Husqvarna Motorcycle GmbH.
KTM's parent company, KTM AG, has big plans for Husqvarna, with Pierer aiming to double its sales to 20,000 motorbikes in five years. He plans to achieve this by rejuvenating the brand's lineup and utilizing common engineering platforms with KTM. Although there may be a potential cannibalization effect between KTM and Husqvarna sales, Pierer believes that the acquisition will have a combined effect greater than simply adding the sales of both brands.
This acquisition by KTM marks a significant step forward in the motorcycle industry and sets the stage for a promising future for Husqvarna dirt bikes.
Current Ownership Status
After being acquired by KTM in a significant consolidation move, Husqvarna is currently under the ownership of KTM AG, along with the KTM and Gas Gas motorcycle brands. This acquisition from BMW, which cost 93 million euros, marked a new chapter for Husqvarna Motorcycles. Under the ownership of KTM AG, Husqvarna aims to rejuvenate its brand and expand its product range.
Husqvarna Motorcycles is known for its off-road racing heritage and has a diverse lineup of motorcycles. They offer a range of off-road and competition bikes, from 2-stroke models to street-legal 4-stroke dual-sport motorcycles. Notable models in their lineup include the TE 300i, FE 501s, and FS 450, which are known for their advanced features and performance capabilities.
With KTM AG at the helm, Husqvarna has the backing and resources to pursue its goals. KTM AG has a strategy to manage the brands separately while sharing common components, allowing Husqvarna to maintain its distinct identity. Additionally, KTM AG aims to double Husqvarna's sales in five years, indicating their commitment to the brand's success.
Looking ahead, Husqvarna has plans for re-entry into the street bike segment and a focus on electric mobility. With KTM AG's ownership, Husqvarna is well-positioned to capitalize on these opportunities and continue to innovate in the motorcycle industry.
Historical Ownership Timeline
Husqvarna's historical ownership timeline spans over three centuries, beginning with its establishment in Sweden in 1689 as a musket manufacturer before venturing into motorcycles in 1903. The Swedish brand quickly gained recognition and by 1939, it became the largest motorcycle manufacturer in Sweden. It wasn't until the 1960s and 1970s, however, that Husqvarna truly dominated the motocross world, winning multiple championships and establishing a reputation for excellence.
In 1987, the motorcycle division of Husqvarna was sold to Cagiva, an Italian motorcycle manufacturer. Eventually, Cagiva merged with MV Agusta, bringing Husqvarna under the MV Agusta umbrella. This ownership change marked a shift in focus for Husqvarna, as they began producing motorcycles geared towards the supermoto market.
In 2007, the ownership of Husqvarna changed hands once again, this time to BMW Motorrad. Under BMW's ownership, Husqvarna re-entered the street motorcycle market in 2014 and expanded into off-road racing, winning over 70 world titles.
However, in 2013, Husqvarna was acquired by KTM AG from BMW. This acquisition has rejuvenated the brand and led to market expansion. Today, Husqvarna is positioned as a leading motorcycle manufacturer, offering a range of high-performance bikes such as the Husqvarna TE series.
Throughout its rich history, Husqvarna has evolved and adapted to the changing demands of the motorcycle industry, consistently delivering innovative and reliable machines to riders around the world.
Implications for Husqvarna Dirt Bikes
Continuing the journey of Husqvarna's evolution, let's now explore the implications for their dirt bikes. Husqvarna, a Swedish motorcycle brand with a rich history dating back to 1689, has seen changes in ownership over the years. From being sold to Cagiva and later becoming part of MV Agusta, to being purchased by BMW Motorrad in 2007, Husqvarna has experienced different influences and directions. These changes have had a significant impact on their dirt bike offerings.
Husqvarna has a strong presence in off-road racing, with over 70 world titles and victories in prestigious rally races like the Baja 1000. This racing heritage translates into their dirt bike range, ensuring that their motorcycles are built to excel in challenging off-road conditions. The brand's commitment to performance and durability has made them a popular choice among off-road enthusiasts and professional riders alike.
In addition to their off-road focus, Husqvarna has also made successful forays into the street motorcycle market. They have introduced prototypes of the 401 Vitpilen and 401 Svartpilen, showcasing their ability to combine style with performance. These street-oriented models demonstrate Husqvarna's versatility and willingness to explore new concepts and designs.
To provide a visual representation of the implications for Husqvarna's dirt bikes, here is a table showcasing key factors:
| Implications for Husqvarna Dirt Bikes |
|---|
| Strong presence in off-road racing |
| Commitment to performance and durability |
| Diverse range of motorcycle models |
| Successful entry into the street motorcycle market |
| Exploration of new concepts and designs |
Husqvarna's dedication to off-road excellence, combined with their willingness to explore new markets and concepts, ensures that their dirt bikes continue to evolve and meet the demands of both professional riders and recreational enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a motorcycle built for off-road use or a stylish street bike, Husqvarna offers a range of options to suit your needs.
Conclusion
So, in conclusion, Husqvarna dirt bikes are currently owned by KTM.
This ownership change has brought about significant changes for the brand, including a renewed focus on off-road racing and the introduction of new models.
Like a well-tuned machine, Husqvarna has shifted gears under KTM's ownership, propelling itself forward with the same power and precision that has made it a force to be reckoned with in the world of dirt bikes.
