THE BMW Group has announced that the firm has sold its Husqvarna sub-brand at an undisclosed price. The swedish sub-brand is now under the stewardship of Pierer Industries AG, a firm coincidentally owned by KTM CEO Stefan Pierer.
Citing “changing motorcycle markets, demographic trends and increasing environmental demands”, the firm states that the move is part of efforts to realign its Motorrad business. BMW first bought the Swedish sub-brand in 2007 from the ailing MV Agusta. According to reports, KTM will not have any direct involvements with the CEO Pierer’s new purchase via his Austrian firm.
Insider reports states that the BMW Motorrad division will now focus on building on-road 600cc models. The firm promises to return to building off-road bikes, but not in the near term.
With the sale taking effect pending EU anti-trust authorities’ approval, there is still no word from either BMW or Peirer on whether or not Husqvarna’s supply of BMW/Rotax engines will continue.
