Pune-headquartered two-wheeler and three-wheeler major Bajaj Auto has announced a strategic move to revive and reshape the future of KTM, by acquiring a controlling stake in the Austrian motorcycle manufacturer, subject to regulatory approvals. This marks a significant shift from Bajaj’s previous role as a minority investor to a leading force in KTM’s global operations.

The move comes amid KTM’s ongoing debt restructuring process, triggered by severe liquidity issues that hampered its day-to-day operations. Through its Dutch subsidiary, Bajaj Auto International Holdings (BAIHBV), Bajaj has arranged a debt funding package of EUR 800 million to support KTM’s recovery and growth. Of this, EUR 200 million has already been infused, with the remaining EUR 600 million being deployed now.

For the unversed, KTM, along with its subsidiaries, entered court-supervised restructuring in November 2024 after failing to manage its rising debt. A plan approved by creditors in February 2025 mandates a 30 percent payout of claims by 23 May 2025. If this payment is not made on time, KTM could be pushed into insolvency.

The funds raised by Bajaj will cover these creditor payments and revive operations. Once payments are confirmed by the Austrian court, the restructuring process is expected to conclude by mid-June 2025.

Path to Ownership

Bajaj currently holds an indirect 37.5 percent stake in Pierer Mobility (PMAG), the parent company of KTM. The proposed deal involves Bajaj acquiring full control of Pierer Bajaj (PBAG), which holds a majority in PMAG. This change in ownership structure will proceed once necessary approvals are obtained from Austrian regulatory bodies.

In a related transaction, Bajaj has also taken over a EUR 80 million loan agreement originally signed by a Pierer group company to prevent complications that might jeopardise the restructuring.

• The EUR 800 million debt package is structured in two parts:
• EUR 200 million: Already disbursed in four tranches during FY2024 and early 2025.
• EUR 600 million: Now being deployed – includes a EUR 450 million secured loan to KTM AG and EUR 150 million in convertible bonds routed through PBAG to support working capital and creditor payments.

These funds were raised via bank loans by BAIHBV and internal contributions from Bajaj Auto.

With the immediate goal of concluding the restructuring process and restarting production, Bajaj is preparing for a broader transformation of KTM’s operations. Key upcoming steps include:

• Revamping KTM’s governance and reconstituting its board.
• Launching a turnaround strategy to restore business momentum.
• Expanding the existing India-based joint development and manufacturing program.
• Exploring strategic partnerships for long-term growth.

Bajaj’s expanded role in KTM is expected to drive global expansion, elevate the brand’s premium image and boost innovation in high-performance motorcycle technologies.

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Hero MotoCorp has announced its entry into Ecuador after forming a partnership with Quilmotors, which will serve as the official distributor for the company and will manage assembly, sales, and service operations throughout the country.

The company is opening a facility in Guayaquil on Avenida de las Américas to display its portfolio. The site includes a parts inventory and service workshops with future expansion plans include establishing a presence in Quito, Manta and the Manabi province.

The product range for the Ecuadorian market consists of eight models:

• Naked Sports: The Hunk 125R and Hunk 160R 4V.
• Dual Purpose: The XPulse 200 4V and XPulse 200 4V Pro.
• Workhorse Range: The Eco Deluxe and Eco 150.
• Scooters: The Xoom 110 and Xoom 125R.

The two-wheelers will come with a five-year warranty or 60,000 kilometres, whichever comes first.

Sanjay Bhan, Executive Vice-President - Global Business, Global Product Planning and Global Market Insights, Hero MotoCorp, said: “Ecuador presents strong opportunity for us, driven by evolving customer aspirations and increasing demand for reliable, high-quality mobility solutions. Our partnership with Quilmotors combines their deep local market expertise with our global capabilities, making them an ideal partner. Our focus is on building a future-ready ecosystem – spanning sales, service, and customer experience – anchored in trust, accessibility and performance. We are confident that our technologically superior product range with new age styling and cutting-edge performance will excite Ecuadorian riders.”

Felipe Estrada, Representative, Quilmotors, added, “It is an honour to partner with and represent the world’s largest motorcycles and scooters manufacturer. Hero MotoCorp is a globally respected brand and we are confident that its technology, quality and performance will strongly resonate with customers in Ecuador. We look forward to demonstrating the versatility of the brand’s product portfolio, supported by best-in-class sales and service ecosystem in the country.”

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Chennai-headquartered mid-sized motorcycle major Royal Enfield has introduced its Heritage Collection, a premium lifestyle apparel line designed to translate the brand’s 125-year motorcycling legacy into contemporary urban fashion.

The collection focuses on a ‘built for the city, rooted in history’ philosophy, blending archival design elements with modern materials. The company says by utilising durable fabrics like cotton twills and canvas blends, the range aims to offer the pragmatic utility associated with the brand’s mechanical roots while ensuring comfort for everyday wear.

The collection distinguishes itself through the subtle use of historical iconography and a muted, earthy colour palette:

• The 1910 Cannon Logo: A nod to the brand's earliest manufacturing days.
• 1893 ‘Made Like a Gun’ Slogan: Reaffirming the company’s original ethos of resilience and precision.
• 1969 Series II Interceptor Badge: Integrating symbols from one of the brand's most iconic twin-cylinder motorcycles.

Royal Enfield has developed these garments with a focus on ‘aesthetic restraint,’ ensuring that historical references do not compromise modern wearability. It uses heavyweight cottons and stretch-enabled fabrics selected for texture and movement. A mix of relaxed and structured forms that balance freedom of movement with a refined visual proportion. The design cues mirror the company’s mechanical engineering history, translated into textile construction.

Yadvinder Singh Guleria, Chief Commercial Officer, Royal Enfield, said, "These garments are not merely echoes of the past; but are active, intentional and contemporary interpretations that allow people to engage with Royal Enfield’s legacy in a meaningful way. Designed for riders and style enthusiasts alike, this collection merges craftsmanship with a clear sense of purpose."

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Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, has launched a new marketing campaign featuring actor Ishaan Khatter to promote its Xoom scooter range to young riders.

The campaign, titled ‘Get, Set, Xoom,’ uses a high-energy musical theme based on the song ‘Xoom Xoom Xoom Baba,’ performed by Usha Uthup. The film, created by McCann India, depicts Khatter performing stunts and going on a spontaneous scooter date, intended to blend thrill with youthful energy.

The Hero Xoom series is designed to resonate with ‘young India’ through a focus on contemporary design and performance-driven technology. The portfolio includes three specific models: Xoom 110, Xoom 125 and Xoom 160.

The Xoom range incorporates several features tailored for new-age riders, including fastest acceleration in its class and front disc brakes. Large ‘14-14’ wheels and a sporty aesthetic. LED projector headlamps for improved visibility and presence.

Aashish Midha, Head of Marketing, Hero MotoCorp, said, "Hero Xoom reflects our focus on building products and brands that resonate with young India. With its distinctive design, performance-driven features and strong street presence, it offers a differentiated riding experience."

Ishaan Khatter added, “What I love about this film is that it blends thrill with a touch of romance. We have set it around a fun, spontaneous scooter date, brought alive with a recreated version of a truly iconic song.”

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Royal Enfield has announced the launch of its inaugural Himalayan Base Camp – Ladakh Edition, a three-day community confluence designed to bring together riders, climbers and overlanders.

Based in Leh, Ladakh, at an altitude of 11,480 feet, the event moves away from traditional festival formats to create an immersive, hands-on environment focused on the ‘Adventure mindset.’

The program is structured around active participation rather than observation. It will feature a range of curated expeditions, expert-led sessions and skill-based workshops covering multiple disciplines. Beyond motorcycling, the event includes activities such as overlanding, cycling and mountaineering. Technical challenges include bouldering, kayaking and high-altitude skills workshops.

Mohit Dhar Jayal, Chief Brand Officer, Royal Enfield, said, “The Himalayan Base Camp is a rendezvous point for all adventurers, regardless of whether they are driven by horsepower, willpower or their own two feet. The program combines action, instruction and a variety of expeditions that will take adventurers out of their comfort zone - and bring them back to base with a whole new set of skills and experiences.”

The Ladakh edition is positioned as a shared space for co-creators where aficionados define the spirit of adventure. By returning to its ‘spiritual ground,’ Royal Enfield aims to fuel specific subcultures within the adventure community, offering challenges that range from technical boulder crawling to high-speed valley expeditions. The event is designed to be accessible to all, emphasising a collective defining of what adventure looks like at high altitudes.

This new addition to the Royal Enfield calendar joins their established marquee rides like the Himalayan Odyssey and Moto Himalaya, further solidifying the brand's presence in the global adventure-lifestyle ecosystem.

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