Big news from KTM New Zealand and Australia – the group that brings the orange bikes into Australasia, Automotive Holdings Group (AHG), has sold the remaining 74% share of its motorcycle importation business back to parent company KTM. AHG have been exclusively importing and distributing KTM motorcycles in Australia and New Zealand since 1994, as well as brands Husqvarna Motorcycles and WP Suspension in more recent years.
KTM, the manufacturers based in Austria, purchased a 26% share of the AHG motorcycle importation business in 2017, now moving to full ownership in 2019 of both KTM Group New Zealand and KTM Group Australia. With over 11,000 motorcycle units sold yearly (KTM and Husqvarna), the NZ and Australian market is the third largest in the world for the brand, and with the changes taking effect from the 1st of July 2019, will become the third biggest subsidiary of KTM.
“What a journey it has been since our first AHG Dealer Conference in 1994 and there have been so many significant milestones along the way,” said Jeff Leisk, General Manager, KTM Group Australia and New Zealand, “I am extremely proud to have seen the KTM and Husqvarna Motorcycle brands go from strength to strength in both the Australian and New Zealand markets. We have built strong relationships with our dealers and our customers and this has been the key to our success. Becoming a factory owned subsidiary will increase the level of support that we can offer our dealer network, our staff and our customers, so I am excited about the next chapter.”
Hubert Trunkenpolz, Chief Marketing Officer, KTM said “We are absolutely delighted with the outcome and our full ownership of KTM Group Australia and KTM Group New Zealand. This transaction once again reinforces our commitment to the Australian and New Zealand markets. This is a very positive development for the KTM dealer network and the KTM customers in both countries.”
While the change of ownership is a massive development for both the company and the market, there will be no impact on KTM Group staff, or the dealer networks for KTM, Husqvarna, and WP Suspension. What it will mean though, is more flexibility for products, prices, and service – by essentially cutting out the middle-man between the dealers and the manufacturer. This should translate to less mark-up on products and parts, as well as stronger communication between the market and the home of the brand.
Photo: KTM Press (Australia/New Zealand)
