Pune-headquartered two-wheeler and three-wheeler major Bajaj Auto has announced a strategic move to revive and reshape the future of KTM, by acquiring a controlling stake in the Austrian motorcycle manufacturer, subject to regulatory approvals. This marks a significant shift from Bajaj’s previous role as a minority investor to a leading force in KTM’s global operations.

The move comes amid KTM’s ongoing debt restructuring process, triggered by severe liquidity issues that hampered its day-to-day operations. Through its Dutch subsidiary, Bajaj Auto International Holdings (BAIHBV), Bajaj has arranged a debt funding package of EUR 800 million to support KTM’s recovery and growth. Of this, EUR 200 million has already been infused, with the remaining EUR 600 million being deployed now.

For the unversed, KTM, along with its subsidiaries, entered court-supervised restructuring in November 2024 after failing to manage its rising debt. A plan approved by creditors in February 2025 mandates a 30 percent payout of claims by 23 May 2025. If this payment is not made on time, KTM could be pushed into insolvency.

The funds raised by Bajaj will cover these creditor payments and revive operations. Once payments are confirmed by the Austrian court, the restructuring process is expected to conclude by mid-June 2025.

Path to Ownership

Bajaj currently holds an indirect 37.5 percent stake in Pierer Mobility (PMAG), the parent company of KTM. The proposed deal involves Bajaj acquiring full control of Pierer Bajaj (PBAG), which holds a majority in PMAG. This change in ownership structure will proceed once necessary approvals are obtained from Austrian regulatory bodies.

In a related transaction, Bajaj has also taken over a EUR 80 million loan agreement originally signed by a Pierer group company to prevent complications that might jeopardise the restructuring.

• The EUR 800 million debt package is structured in two parts:
• EUR 200 million: Already disbursed in four tranches during FY2024 and early 2025.
• EUR 600 million: Now being deployed – includes a EUR 450 million secured loan to KTM AG and EUR 150 million in convertible bonds routed through PBAG to support working capital and creditor payments.

These funds were raised via bank loans by BAIHBV and internal contributions from Bajaj Auto.

With the immediate goal of concluding the restructuring process and restarting production, Bajaj is preparing for a broader transformation of KTM’s operations. Key upcoming steps include:

• Revamping KTM’s governance and reconstituting its board.
• Launching a turnaround strategy to restore business momentum.
• Expanding the existing India-based joint development and manufacturing program.
• Exploring strategic partnerships for long-term growth.

Bajaj’s expanded role in KTM is expected to drive global expansion, elevate the brand’s premium image and boost innovation in high-performance motorcycle technologies.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

TVS Motor Company, a leading manufacturer of two-wheelers and three-wheelers, has expanded its TVS Raider Super Squad Edition. 

The company has introduced two new thematic options for the Raider Super Squad range with the addition of Marvel’s Deadpool and Wolverine decal options.

The new TVS Raider SSE comes a powerful 3-valve engine, which produces 11.75 Nm @ 6,000 RPM of torque. The Super Squad Edition will now also get the iGO assist with Boost Mode for enhanced acceleration and GTT (Glide Through Technology). It also features a fully connected reverse LCD cluster with more than 85 features.

It was in August 2023 that TVS Raider became India’s first motorcycle to launch Marvel-themed editions, debuting with Iron Man and Black Panther.

The new TVS Raider Super Squad Edition is priced at INR 99,465 (ex-showroom Delhi) and will be available across all TVS Motor Company dealerships.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Royal Enfield has introduced a new Shadow Ash colourway for its Guerrilla 450 motorcycle at the ‘GRRR Nights X Underground’ event in Pune. The event, held in partnership with Tapaswi Racing, was a blend of motorcycle stunts, drag races and musical performances.

Priced at INR 249,000 (ex-showroom Chennai), the new colourway features an olive green tank with blacked-out detailing, giving the bike a more aggressive, muscular appearance. The Shadow Ash model, part of the Dash variant, also comes equipped with the Tripper Dash navigation system.

The launch event was attended by over 3,000 enthusiasts and showcased the motorcycle’s performance capabilities through high-octane stunts. Professional stunt riders, including Padma Prashanth and Anish Shetty, performed drag and drift stunts. A highlight of the night was renowned motorsport athlete Akildas T.D., who performed a gravity-defying drift showcase on the new Guerrilla 450. The Guerrilla 450 is powered by a 452cc liquid-cooled Sherpa engine.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Pune-headquartered two-wheeler and three-wheeler major Bajaj Auto has announced that it has resumed deliveries for its Chetak e-scooter across dealerships.

The update comes after weeks of production impact on the back of the disruption in the supply of rare earth magnets, which had forced the company to cut down on production of the e-scooter.

Bajaj Auto shared that now with production restored ahead of schedule, it has resumed production and shipments from 20 August, marking a faster-than-anticipated return to full capacity.

Furthermore, the automaker claims it has secured sufficient supply of rare earth magnets and other key materials to ensure availability during the upcoming festive season.

Eric Vas, President, Urbanite Business Unit, Bajaj Auto, said, “We appreciate our customers’ patience. Demand for Chetak remains robust, supplies have normalised and deliveries against bookings have commenced. We are scaling up production to meet rising demand while staying true to our standards of quality and customer delight.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Goa will host Motoverse 2025, an annual moto-culture festival, from November 21–23, 2025. The event is a gathering for riders, enthusiasts and industry professionals.

Motoverse 2025 will feature custom motorcycle builds and new innovations, including the Flying Flea and the Himalayan Electric test bed. The festival plans to debut new products and initiatives. A structured club championship will be introduced for the Dirt Track events. The Art of Motorcycling will conclude with a finale and the Motoreel stage will host industry figures and adventurers.

The festival will incorporate a split-stage music format. The Main Stage will feature acts like Hanumankind, The Yellow Diary and Parvaaz. The lineup includes a collaboration between Kutle Khan and Karsh Kale. The festival also announced its first international electronic music act. The Hilltop Stage will highlight a new generation of independent artists.

A new concept, Motohub, will provide a dedicated space for riders to connect. It will feature film screenings and interactive zones. The event will also offer group registration incentives for riding crews to promote community participation. Motoverse 2025 will conclude with an awards ceremony recognizing achievements within the motorcycling community.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!