KTM Manaus CKD plant opens in Brazil to assemble KTM and Husqvarna motorcycles

KTM, which is owned by Bajaj Auto, said it has started a new CKD motorcycle assembly plant in Manaus, Brazil. The company said the site has an installed yearly capacity of 20,000 units. The facility is meant only for KTM and Husqvarna motorcycles. It will produce ten models across motocross, enduro, and adventure segments.

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The company said the Manaus opening forms part of a wider reorganisation of KTM and Husqvarna operations in Brazil. KTM said it aims to assemble 3,500 units by the end of 2026. The firm said it expects higher output in 2027. It also stated that around 20 million Brazilian Reais were invested in equipment and facilities.

KTM Brazil CKD plant shifts production to a dedicated operation

KTM said it has assembled motorcycles in Manaus since 2016, using a partnership with Dafra Motos. The new site uses a completely knocked-down, or CKD, process. KTM said the change creates an independent industrial base for its two brands. The company said this range covers off-road race models and adventure-touring motorcycles.

Rakesh Sharma, joint managing director of Bajaj Auto, 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.\"

KTM Brazil CKD plant to build KTM and Husqvarna models

In motocross, the plant will assemble the KTM 250 SX-F and KTM 450 SX-F. For enduro use, it will build KTM 250 EXC-F and KTM 300 EXC. The line-up also includes 350 EXC-F 6DAYS and 300 EXC 6DAYS. KTM said these models are part of the ten planned for production.

The factory will also assemble adventure motorcycles, including the new KTM 390 Adventure R and KTM 390 Adventure X. Husqvarna production will include the FE 350 and TE 300 PRO. KTM said the Manaus facility is dedicated to KTM and Husqvarna only. The company linked this plan to its revised operating structure in Brazil.

KTM Brazil CKD plant backed by dealer network expansion

KTM said it currently has an authorised network across 12 locations in Brazil. The company said it plans to expand that footprint to 30 outlets by 2027. KTM tied the dealer growth plan to rising assembly volumes. The firm said it will begin with 3,500 units by end-2026 before further scaling.

KTM said the Manaus unit will support the company’s local assembly push after years of partner-led production. The company described the investment and capacity as key steps in Brazil. It also said the plant will serve both KTM and Husqvarna ranges. KTM added that output is set to rise after the 2026 target.

With inputs from PTI