Highlights

• KTM to operate an in‑house design centre in Salzburg, Austria
• Long‑standing partnership with Kiska ends after more than 30 years
• Pierer Mobility AG’s 50 % stake transferred to Bajaj Mobility AG following Bajaj Auto’s takeover
• Shares previously held by KTM now owned by Loxone GmbH
• Design independence cited as crucial for the brand’s future
• Recent production pauses and employee layoffs underscore financial strain
• KTM will still collaborate with Kiska, but without equity ties
• The move could reshape the visual language of upcoming Mattighofen‑built bikes

KTM Sets Up In‑House Design Hub in Salzburg

The Austrian motorcycle icon announced today that it will relocate its design operations to a brand‑new centre in Salzburg. The decision marks the first time the Ready to Race brand will develop concepts entirely inside its own walls, rather than leaning on external studios. That matters because it gives KTM direct control over every line, curve and colour decision.

The press release describes the facility as a “state‑of‑the‑art” environment where engineers, stylists and digital artists will work side‑by‑side. The aim is to accelerate the transition from sketch to prototype, shaving months off the development cycle. Short, punchy sentences follow dense paragraphs – a new design language can’t wait.

What Drove the Split with Kiska

Kiska has been KTM’s visual partner for more than three decades. Together they birthed the aggressive silhouettes that defined the brand’s success on the track and the street. Yet the partnership “was unhealthy”, according to Kiska Managing Director Julian Herget. Heavy reliance on a single client left Kiska vulnerable when KTM hit a rough patch.

During the last few years KTM paused production twice, and creditors stepped in to keep the company afloat. Hundreds of employees were let go, a stark reminder of how deep the financial troubles ran. In that climate, a 50 % equity stake in Kiska became a liability rather than an asset.

“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 said in the release.

The split means Kiska will continue as a design consultancy, but KTM will no longer hold any equity. The brand will still tap Kiska’s talent on a project‑by‑project basis – a pragmatic compromise that keeps the creative spark alive while restoring financial balance.

Ownership Shuffle: From Pierer to Bajaj

The corporate backdrop is equally dramatic. Pierer Mobility AG once owned half of KTM, but the share‑holding changed hands after Bajaj Auto completed a major name change to Bajaj Mobility AG. The shift reflects Bajaj’s ambition to steer KTM into a new era of global growth.

KTM’s former shares in Kiska have been transferred to Loxone GmbH, a technology firm known for smart‑home solutions. This move untangles the two companies financially, allowing each to focus on its core business.

Phase	Date	Status
Pierer Mobility holds 50 % of KTM	Prior to 2023	Active stake
Bajaj Auto finalises takeover	Early 2024	Completed
Shares in Kiska sold to Loxone GmbH	Mid 2024	Executed

The timeline shows how quickly the ownership landscape evolved. That matters because a stable shareholder base is essential for funding the new design centre and for weathering future market swings.

What This Means for KTM’s Future Bikes

With design back in‑house, KTM can experiment more freely. Expect sharper angles, bolder colour palettes and tighter integration of aerodynamics into the visual package. The Mattighofen production line will likely see the first models emerging from Salzburg within the next 12‑18 months.

A few concrete implications:

• Faster concept validation, meaning limited‑edition models could appear sooner.
• Greater alignment between engineering and styling, reducing the need for costly redesigns.
• Potential for regional design cues that appeal to emerging markets where Bajaj is expanding.

The brand’s heritage of race‑derived aesthetics will not be abandoned; rather, it will be amplified with modern digital tools. This changes things for enthusiasts who crave both tradition and innovation.

Looking Ahead: Timeline and Next Steps

KTM has outlined a clear roadmap for the next two years. The design centre will be operational by Q4 2024, with the first prototype from the new team slated for early 2025. Meanwhile, collaborative projects with Kiska will continue on a contract basis, ensuring continuity for flagship models still in development.

Milestone	Target
Salzburg design centre opens	Q4 2024
First in‑house concept unveiled	Q1 2025
Joint Kiska‑KTM projects complete	Ongoing
Full rollout of new design language	2026

The roadmap signals confidence. It also gives dealers and riders a glimpse of what’s on the horizon – a refreshed visual identity that respects KTM’s racing DNA while embracing the flexibility of an internal studio.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When will the new Salzburg design centre become operational?
A: KTM plans to open the centre in Q4 2024, with the first in‑house concept expected in early 2025.

Q: Does the split with Kiska affect current KTM models?
A: No. Existing models will continue production as scheduled; Kiska will still be contracted for specific projects.

Q: How does Bajaj’s ownership influence KTM’s design direction?
A: Bajaj’s global reach provides additional capital, enabling KTM to invest in the new centre and pursue more ambitious styling programs.

Q: Will the ownership change impact pricing for upcoming KTM bikes?
A: Pricing strategies have not been announced yet, but the investment in design aims to add value without inflating costs.

Q: What role does Loxone GmbH play after acquiring KTM’s shares in Kiska?
A: Loxone becomes a minority shareholder in Kiska, offering technology expertise but not influencing KTM’s design decisions.

Q: Are there any new models hinted at for the 2025 launch?
A: KTM has not disclosed specifics, but the timeline suggests a fresh design language will debut on a sport‑oriented model.