KTM creates innovative motorcycles and bicycles from its Austrian headquarters, operating as a joint venture between Bajaj Auto and Pierer Mobility AG since its 1934 founding as Kronreif & Trunkenpolz Mattighofen[1].
Heritage Builds Innovation
Austrian engineer Johann Trunkenpolz established a repair shop in Mattighofen in 1934. The company’s first motorcycle, the R100, rolled out in 1951 with in-house components and Rotax engines. By 1953, the small team of 20 craftsmen produced three motorcycles daily[1].
Racing Excellence Powers Growth
The company claimed its first victory in the 1954 Austrian 125cc championship. KTM dominated the Dakar Rally with 18 consecutive wins from 2001 to 2019. Their racing prowess extends to 260 world championship titles across multiple disciplines[1].
Technology Drives Innovation
Engineering Evolution
The company pioneered several breakthroughs:
- First Italian fiberglass crash helmet (1954)
- First liquid-cooled motocross production bike (1981)
- Revolutionary five-valve cylinder head (1985)[1]
Modern Manufacturing
Today’s KTM produces diverse motorcycles from racing machines to street bikes. Their signature orange machines feature steel trellis frames and WP suspension components, setting them apart from aluminum-frame competitors[1].
Global Reach Expands Markets
Bajaj Auto acquired a stake in 2007, leading to joint development of smaller displacement motorcycles. The partnership expanded KTM’s presence in Asian markets with models like the Duke 200 and 390[1].
Product Range Meets Rider Needs
Street Innovation
The Duke series, launched in 1994, revolutionized naked bike design. Current models range from 125cc to 1290cc, featuring advanced electronics and powerful engines[1].
Off-Road Excellence
KTM’s core strength remains in off-road motorcycles. Their two-stroke and four-stroke machines dominate enduro and motocross competitions worldwide[1].
Corporate Structure Ensures Growth
Under Pierer Mobility AG, KTM operates multiple divisions:
- KTM AG (Motorcycle Manufacturing)
- KTM Racing GmbH (Motorsports)
- KTM Forschungs & Entwicklungs GmbH (R&D)[1]
The company maintains strong ties with Husqvarna, GASGAS, and MV Agusta through strategic partnerships[1].
Citations:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KTM
KTM is an Austrian motorcycle, bicycle and motorsports brand which is co-owned by Indian manufacturer Bajaj Auto and Austrian manufacturer Pierer Mobility AG. It traces its foundation in 1934 as Kronreif & Trunkenpolz Mattighofen. Today, Pierer Mobility AG operates as the manufacturer of KTM branded motorcycles; whereas KTM Fahrrad AG operates as the manufacturer of KTM branded bicycles.
 | |
 KTM headquarters in Mattighofen | |
| Company type | Aktiengesellschaft |
|---|---|
| Industry | Motor vehicles |
| Founded | 1934 |
| Founder | Hans Trunkenpolz |
| Headquarters | , Austria |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Stefan Pierer, Friedrich Roithner, Rajiv Bajaj |
| Products | Motorcycles, sports cars |
| Owners | Pierer Mobility 50.1% Bajaj Auto 49.9% |
Number of employees |  2,931 (2017) |
| Website | ktmgroup.com https://www.ktm.com |
 | |
| Company type | GmbH |
|---|---|
| Industry | Bicycles |
| Founded | 1934 |
| Founder | Hans Trunkenpolz |
| Headquarters | , Austria |
Key people | Carol Urkauf-Chen, Johanna Urkauf, Stefan Limbrunner, |
Number of employees | 800 (2022) |
| Website | ktm-bikes.at |
KTM is known for its off-road motorcycles (enduro, motocross and supermoto). Since the late 1990s, it has expanded into street motorcycle production and developing sports cars – namely the X-Bow. In 2015, KTM sold almost as many street as off-road bikes.