As the Coronavirus pandemic gradually disappears in the rear-view mirror, in its aftermath the global motorcycle industry continues to experience rapid and sustained growth. Leading this charge among European companies is the KTM Group, whose parent company PIERER Mobility AG finished 2022 on a continued high, after a 12th successive record year which saw sales of its three current brands (KTM, Husqvarna and GASGAS) continue spiralling upwards to 375,452 motorcycles in 2022, an increase of 13% compared with the previous year. 268,575 of these motorcycles carried the KTM badge, 75,266 were Husqvarnas and 31,651 were GASGAS. Add to that the 118,465 pedal cycles and E-bicycles sold in the same period under its Husqvarna, GASGAS, Felt and R Raymon labels (up 15% compared to 2021), and the company’s overall revenues increased to €2.437 billion, up 19% year-on-year.
This resulted in an EBIT (Earnings Before Interest and Taxes) gross profit of €235 million, a massive 22% increase over one year ago, meaning its President/CEO Stefan Pierer, 66, duly celebrated the 30th anniversary of his taking control of a bankrupt KTM and its 160 employees in January 1992 (making 6,300 motorcycles that first year), by consolidating his place as the most significant figure in the European motorcycle industry. PIERER Mobility is a global player in practically every different model sector, both on- and off-road, with combustion engines and, increasingly, electric power. The chance to speak with him at length in his office in KTM’s home factory, at Mattighofen in West Austria, uncovered the background behind this success, and his plans to build on it for the future.
This story is from the July 2023 edition of Motorcycle Sport & Leisure.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July 2023 edition of Motorcycle Sport & Leisure.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The Longest Day Teapot
Adventure, cheap motorcycles and a desire to do something good for the world. All combining in one very long day
Northern Spain and the Picos
We're all aware that the world, his wife and his motorbiking dog have been to Northern Spain and the Picos triangle, but Alastair is going to throw his tuppence in none-the-less, for all the right reasons!
Mossy’s Knowledge
Spec sheet terminology Engines
NORTON CEO ROBERT HENTSCHEL
There's been much talk about the rise, fall, and rise of Norton Motorcycles over the last few months, if not years, so who better to ask about the true, behind-the-scenes details than their new head honcho?
FULL CHAT - POWERED BY BIKESUR
Once limited to television chat shows, the world of celebrity interviews has now, in the 21st century, expanded to blogs, vlogs and podcasts that cover an expansive range of subjects and personalities, and it's only natural that the world of motorcycles is covered in that remit
TARMAC TWEAKS
Stepping ever further away from its Dakar Rally racing roots, Honda's overhauled its Africa Twin Adventure Sports to create a seriously capable big-mile tourer that can hold its own with the best of them
How to maintain your battery
Most riders won't notice that anything is amiss with their battery until they press the ignition switch and their motorcycle fails to start. With a little bit of luck, they might be able to recharge the battery, but that takes time. Should the battery have become deeply discharged, and beyond recovery, then it will need replacing, causing more time lost and unwelcome expense. Often overlooked, battery maintenance is simple and, apart from keeping your battery in top working condition, will also significantly extend its lifespan. What's not to like? MSL asked the battery saving experts at OptiMate to explain the theory behind the practice of battery maintenance.
All That Gear
I remember riding from Indianapolis to Tucson in 1962. 1800 miles, a new rider learning how to change the gears
Ready to take on THE WORLD
Ducati keep going from strength to strength, and have upped the adventure bike ante once again with the DesertX Rally, a high-spec and genuinely race-capable development of the excellent DesertX
The big bike that thinks it's small
This brand-new model in the Triumph range could be the perfect answer to many rider's needs. And for Triumph, it may just be the most important model in Hinckley's history