There is no secret, that Ducati’s place among the Volkswagen family is still fragile. Actually, this story is a few years old, especially with Volkswagen AG’s constant back-and-forth when it comes to selling the motorcycle brand. But this time, Volkswagen isn’t the one bringing this question up, KTM is.

Stefan Pierer hopes to add Ducati to KTM and Husqvarna brands, and take & the Italian brand to conquer the Asian markets with its partner Bajaj

In an interview with German outlet Speedweek, KTM CEO Stefan Pierer has expressed interest in owning the Italian motorcycle company.
During the interview, Pierer wasn’t hiding his huge interest in adding Ducati to his stable of motorcycle marques.

“I have an emotional relationship with Ducati," Pierer said. "Ducati is Ducati, there's nothing to shake about that. The only brand that would fit us is Ducati.”

The growth of KTM since 1992, when Stefan Pierer took the leadership, is unbelievable. Its sales have grown from 6,000 to 265,000 units over the course of 25 years. So the KTM’s desire in helping Ducati to reach the same potential is getting clear, considering the fact, that KTM specializes in motorcycles and understands the two-wheeled business, in contrast to the VW group.

For sure, KTM would be a great home for Ducati, as having an owner that isn’t thinking of Ducati as a financial instrument is probably the most appropriate course for a brand.

But now it is really hard to see how KTM, Ducati and Husqvarna can all share a platform without losing their individual characteristics.

“Ducati is the Ferrari of the motorcycle industry,” continued Pierer with Speedweek. “Of course, having such a brand in our group would be interesting. It is not a question of price, but it is about the topic: When does everyone realize the situation they are in.” The situation that Pierer is referring to is the changing global climate and the severe increasing challenges when it comes to noise and emission standards.

There are many questions relating to these new realities. But only time will tell. Currently we are sure of two things: the first thing – there are many conversations happening in VW family right now, and the second one – Ducati looks really cool in orange.

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