KTM owner buys Husqvarna motorcycle brand from BMW

(Reuters) - The owner of offroad motorbike maker KTM (KTMP.VI) acquired rival brand Husqvarna from Germany's BMW (BMWG.DE) on Thursday in a consolidation move that helps shave costs as the industry copes with a slump in Europe.

Entrepreneur Stefan Pierer, who owns a majority stake in KTM, told Reuters he was taking a page out of Volkswagen's (VOWG_p.DE) book by buying the Italian-based company, whose one-cylinder enduros and motocross bikes are dubbed "Huskies" by their fans.
"Almost ten years ago we started a small platform strategy just like what Volkswagen does on a far larger level," he said in a telephone interview after the deal, declining to provide financial details.

90 Years of BMW Motorrad – Max Friz

The aircraft engine manufacturer BMW unveiled its first motorcycle in late 1923, and it was a passionate aircraft engine designer – Max Friz – who was behind its creation. Forever credited as the father of the first BMW bike – the R 32 – Friz’s story leading up to this groundbreaking motorcycle is as interesting as it is varied.

Dakar 2013: Best of Bike

Dakar 2013: Stage 14 - Car/ Bike - Stage Summary (La Serena - Santiago)

90 Years of BMW Motorrad – where it all started

 

With more than 106,000 motorcycles and maxi-scooters sold to customers worldwide in 2012, BMW Motorrad celebrated yet another all-time sales high, making it the perfect way to start its 90th anniversary celebrations. This sales record was set in difficult economic conditions too, but the company has had more than its fair share of challenges to overcome ever since its origins more than nine decades ago. A look back through history reveals a story of restriction, adaption, intense competition and constant innovation – all of which have helped shape the brand we know and admire today…

Chapter one: the years leading up to the first BMW motorcycle – the R 32
BMW is set up in Munich during World War One as the successor to Rapp Motoren-Werke, an aircraft engine plant founded in 1913. Its first product is the IIIa aircraft engine, containing legendary engine designer Max Friz's altitude carburettor, which, in comparison to rival products, greatly decreases loss of performance at high altitude.

Dakar 2013: Stage 13 - Car/ Bike - Stage Summary (Copiapó - La Serena)

Dakar 2013: Stage 12 - Car/ Bike - Stage Summary (Fiambala Copiapo)

Dakar 2013: Stage 11 - Car/ Bike - Stage Summary (La Rioja Fiambala)

Dakar 2013: Stage 10 - Car/ Bike - Stage Summary (Cordoba - La Rioja)

Dakar 2013: Stage 9 - Car/ Bike - Stage Summary (Tucuman - Cordoba)

Dakar 2013: Stage 8 - Car/ Bike - Stage Summary (Salta - Tucuman)

Dakar 2013: Stage 7 - Car/ Bike - Stage Summary (Calama - Salta)

Dakar 2013: Stage 6 - Car/ Bike - Stage Summary (Arica Calama)

BMW Motorcycle Sales Up 14 Percent In 2012

BMW Motorrad USA reported a 14 percent increase in sales for 2012, nearly double the gain posted the previous year. Retail sales of 12,057 motorcycles were made in 2012 compared to 10,572 sold in 2011. In December, BMW Motorrad USA posted a 2.2 percent increase on sales of 918 motorcycles compared to 898 sold in December 2011. 

The double digit increase was fueled by sales of the popular S 1000 RR superbike, which had 20.9 percent increase in sales of 1,934 compared to 1,600 in 2011. Consumer response to the first full year of the award-winning six-cylinder K 1600 GTL and K 1600 GT spurred 1,601 deliveries of the GTL (+58.7 percent) and 697 of the GT (+87.9 percent) in 2012, boosting K-series volumes 40.9 percent to 2,647 units.

The introduction of the entry level G 650 GS Sertão contributed to a G-Series sales increase of 31.3 percent with sales of 994 compared to 757 sold in 2011. The product offensive continued with the release of the C 600 Sport and C 650 GT maxi scooters in late Fall with 223 GTs delivered to consumers by year end.

“BMW has gained significant momentum in recent years,” commented Mac McMath, National Sales Manager, BMW Motorrad USA. “Now, with improved market conditions, a strong dealer network, and new and updated models, we are poised for continued success in 2013.”

[src: BMW]

Dakar 2013: Stage 5 - Car/ Bike - Stage Summary (Arequipa Arica)

Dakar 2013: Stage 4 - Car/ Bike - Stage Summary (Nazca Arequipa)

Dakar 2013: Stage 3 - Car/ Bike - Stage Summary (Pisco Nazca)

Dakar 2013: Stage 2 - Car/Bike - Stage Summary (Pisco Pisco)

Dakar 2013: Stage 1 - Car/ Bike - Stage Summary -- (Lima Pisco)