Bajaj, KTM to extend cooperation, will co-develop various vehicles for emerging markets

Bajaj, which owns a 21 percent stake in Austrian two-wheeler manufacturer, KTM Power Sports, may soon start co-developing various commuter vehicles with the Austrian company. According to some reports in the media, the two companies will co-develop a scooter, a three-wheeler and a small car.

The Bajaj-KTM commuter vehicles will be specially designed for developing countries and will be available in petrol, diesel and electric variants. Bajaj is already working with Renault on an ultra low cost car that’s expected to be out in the market by 2010-11. Hence, it’s not clear whether the Bajaj-KTM small car will be sold in India, or whether it would only be for foreign markets.

In the immediate future, Bajaj will start assembling some motorcycles from the KTM range at its plant in Chakan. The first bike from the KTM lineup that will be assembled and sold in India is likely to be the 690 Duke, which is powered by a high-tech single-cylinder engine, and which features a sophisticated chassis and suspension. The first one or two bikes from the KTM range are expected to go on sale in India by the end of this year.