KTM do Brasil officially opened its plant in Manaus, in the state of Amazonas, on Wednesday (14th October). The facility is already running, with 100 direct and indirect employees and an installed capacity of 20,000 motorcycles a year.
In this first phase of operation, the company expects to build 3.500 Units by the end of 2026 and to scale up further through 2027.
Dedicated exclusively to the KTM and Husqvarna brands, the plant will build ten models across the motocross, enduro and adventure segments. The opening is part of the reorganization of KTM and Husqvarna operations in Brazil.
The opening ceremony brought together journalists, motorcycle-segment influencers, dealers, partners, international KTM AG executives and public officials. KTM AG was represented by Petra Preining, CFO; Fabian Steinbacher, Vice President Operations; and Peter Stuhlberger, Lead Overseas Operations.
Officials attending included Leopoldo Júnior, Superintendent of Manaus Free Trade Zone (Suframa), along with Gustavo Igrejas, Amazonas State Secretary for Economic Development, Science, Technology and Innovation.
The new plant received investment of around R$ 20 million (Brazilian Reais) in facilities and equipment.
From assembly with Dafra to a plant of its own
KTM began assembling motorcycles locally in Manaus in 2016, through a partnership with Dafra Motos.
With the new facility, which runs on a CKD (Completely Knocked Down) basis, the Austrian manufacturer now has an independent industrial operation dedicated exclusively to its two brands, covering everything from off-road competition machines to adventure-touring models.
The plant carries out kit preparation, engine assembly, motorcycle assembly, quality control, packing and shipping.
Running its own operation brings the brands’ industrial and commercial strategies in Brazil closer together, improving operational efficiency, product availability and support for the growth of the dealer network.
Speaking on the occasion, Rakesh Sharma, Joint Managing Director, Bajaj Auto Limited said, “Brazil is an important market in the global portfolio of both Bajaj and KTM, and the inauguration of the KTM facility co located with the Bajaj Auto facility in Manaus is yet another signal of our commitment to Brazil. The Bajaj and KTM partnership is anchored on complementary strengths, and now we bring these strengths together to serve the passionate riding community of Brazil and build a strong business.”
“Every motorcycle built in Manaus carries the KTM promise: performance, innovation, quality, and riding pleasure. The same processes, quality standards, and technical requirements apply here as in Austria. This achievement is the result of the outstanding commitment of our Brazilian team and the close partnership with our colleagues in Austria,” said Fabian Steinbacher, Vice President Operations of KTM AG.
“The successful start of production in Manaus demonstrates what is possible here, and we have ambitious plans for the future. The facility is designed to grow alongside the market, both in terms of capacity and product portfolio. At the same time, we are strengthening our competitiveness through local value creation, high cost efficiency and a flexible production structure. This creates the foundation for sustainable growth and sets the course for a strong and profitable future in Brazil,” said Petra Preining, CFO of Bajaj Mobility AG and KTM AG.
Ten KTM and Husqvarna models in local production
In the motocross line, the plant will build the KTM 250 SX-F and KTM 450 SX-F, developed for competition and off-road riding.
In the enduro segment, the line-up covers the KTM 250 EXC-F, 350 EXC-F 6DAYS, 300 EXC and 300 EXC 6DAYS, models that reflect the Austrian manufacturer’s tradition in off-road competition. Husqvarna joins the operation with the FE 350 and TE 300 PRO.
Local production also includes the new KTM 390 ADVENTURE R and KTM 390 ADVENTURE X, presented to the Brazilian market in August and due in dealerships in October, at suggested retail prices of R$ 37,990 and R$ 33,990 (Brazilian Reais) respectively.
The authorized network has 12 locations in Brazil and is expanding, with the aim of reaching 30 outlets by 2027.
