Husqvarna Motorcycles to PH market soon?

Ayala may add KTM-owned Husqvarna to motorcycle portfolio

Husqvarna Motorcycles may re-enter the Philippine market officially through Ayala-led AC Industrials, which is the official distributor and assembler of KTM Motorcycles in the Philippines.

This was recently revealed by a reliable source who shared that Ayala-KTM is exploring the possibility of introducing Husqvarna Motorcycles to the Philippine market. Rumor has it that talks between the companies will soon commence.

The Swedish motorcycle brand was purchased by KTM owner Pierer Industrie AG from BMW back in 2013. In the same year, Husqvarna headquarters moved from Varese, Itlay to Mattighofen, Austria. With the favorable market conditions and increasing demand for motorcycles in the Philippines, it is natural for the Stefan Pierer-led company to consider re-entering the market with a strong partner.

The 2017 Vitpilen and Svartpilen 401 are seen as major entry points for Husqvarna to infiltrate new markets. The two production street bikes are built around the platform of KTM's 2017 Duke 390 — with the powertrain and frames manufactured at Bajaj's plant in Chakan, India and assembly taking place in Mattighofen, Austria. The larger Vitpilen 701 concept is expected to see production by 2018, utilizing the platform of KTM's Duke 690.

Husqvarna is using their new range of "Real Street" motorcycles including the Vitpilen and Svartpilen to diversify from their focused heritage of building competition-ready dirt bikes, enduro motorcycles, motocrossers, and supermotards. Other motorcycle brands have been implementing a similar strategy of global expansion, in conjunction with millennial-targeted marketing and the development of beginner-friendly motorcycles utilizing smaller displacements like the 401.

Knowing that Ayala-KTM is mulling over bringing in Husqvarna to the Philippines, and that Husqvarna will introduce riders in new markets to the Vitpilen and Svartpilen 401... The question now is: Will Ayala-KTM strike a favorable deal with Husqvarna, and will we eventually see these "Real Street" "Huskies" go from local dealerships to flashing their futuristic silhouettes upon Philippine roads?