Born to Lead, Ready to Race

After its surprise announcement at Ayala Corporation’s annual stockholder’s meeting, the conglomerate’s newest venture, KTM, has now been formalized. Housed under Ayala Automotive Holding Corporation, KTM will be distributed under Adventure Cycle Philippines, Inc.

An Austrian-based company, KTM is engaged in the development, production, and distribution of motorized vehicles for recreational purposes, particularly under the brands KTM and Husqvarna. They offer a wide range of award-winning off-road and street motorcycles as well as the track-focused KTM X-Bow.

Ayala Automotive president and CEO, JP Orbeta confirmed Ayala’s support and commitment to this newest endeavor. Orbeta commented: “Ayala Automotive is excited to expand its portfolio and enhance the group’s offerings to the market. We are excited by our entry into the motorcycle space and are in full support of this business. We remain committed as a group to providing the market the products and after sales service it deserves.”

Adventure Cycle Philippines, Inc. is now accepting dealership applications for KTM across the country with the target start of distribution by the third quarter of 2016. The full model range of KTM will be made available with local assembly to start by the first quarter of 2017. The models selected for local manufacture are the 200 Duke, 390 Duke, RC 200, and RC 390. They will be subcontracted to Integrated Micro-Electronics, Inc.

KTM Philippines’ Chief Operating Officer Dino Santos said, “Our goal is to penetrate all major cities in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao with KTM dealerships. We will ensure that our customers will have access to the full range of KTM motorcycles. At the same time, we will make certain that motorcycle service and maintenance is available in all KTM dealerships.”

In a statement, Ayala Corporation president and COO Fernando Zobel de Ayala said, “We are very excited to introduce KTM and its lineup of outstanding performance motorcycles to the Philippines. For decades, KTM has been at the forefront of motorcycle engineering and technology, building vehicles that are ‘Ready to Race.’ This venture will enhance our existing offerings under our automotive group and allow us to serve more of the country’s growing mobility needs.”

KTM Southeast Asia representatives, Managing Director Julian Legazpi and Country Manager Zigmunds Steinbergs, were also present at the event. 

Legazpi commented that “We are excited to paint the Philippines orange with our esteemed partners – Ayala.  Without a doubt, the country is now Ready To Race!”

KTM’s partnership with Ayala Corporation underscores the importance of the Philippines in the global manufacturing scene. Not only does it pave the way for more choices for consumers, but it also helps uplift the economy by increased investment in R&D, manufacturing, and distribution of world-class products such as those offered by KTM.