KTM is planning its own in-house design centre

The design of KTM motorcycles could look very different in the future, as the Austrian company plans to operate out of a new in-house design centre in Salzburg.

This could be an important step for KTM, which has previously worked very closely with design agency, Kiska. However, that partnership as we knew it appears to have ended, although KTM will remain a customer of Kiska’s. 

The partnership, which has spanned more than three decades, has played a key role in shaping the design language of many KTM motorcycles that have rolled off the production line in Mattighofen. Kiska was also behind the KTM X-Bow project, which was recently shelved due to KTM’s financial troubles. 

Pierer Mobility AG previously held a 50 per cent stake in the company, however, KTM’s new owners Bajaj Auto recently completed a major name change as part of its takeover. Pierer Mobility AG has since become Bajaj Mobility AG. 

As part of a press release, Kiska Managing Director Julian Herget, said this:

“Following the reacquisition of the last remaining shares from the KTM Group by the Shareholders, the company from Anif is once again operating entirely independently.”

Herget also went on to say that Kiska’s heavy reliance on KTM “was unhealthy”, which impacted the company during KTM’s difficult period over the last couple of years. During that time KTM was forced to pause production on two separate occasions, while creditors managed to help the ‘Ready to Race’ brand from completely collapsing after it went into self-administration. 

Hundreds of employees have also been let go during the period, showing just how extensive the financial troubles were at KTM. 

The full statement says KTM will continue to collaborate with Kiska, although the shares it once owned have been acquired by technology company Loxone GmbH.

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