With 160,000 bicycles produced in 2008, KTM is one of the largest manufacturers in Europe. Compared to the previous year, KTM was able to increase production by around 7 percent. KTM was able to increase its turnover by almost 16 percent to 74 million euros. According to KTM, sales rose disproportionately because the average price of the bikes sold was increased. KTM does not disclose exact figures for the Swiss market, but states that sales have been stable at a high level for two years and have been growing continuously.

Crisis as an opportunity
The Mattighofer company expects further growth for the current year. According to KTM, 173,000 bikes will roll out of its own assembly plant in Mattighofen. KTM Managing Director Josef Spiessberger sees the current economic crisis as an opportunity: "As a full-range supplier with 150 catalog models, KTM can tap into very productive sales potential, especially in the city and trekking segment, for example with the e-bike. In addition, the climate debate and society's increasing health awareness are becoming more and more noticeable".

Investing in the future
In order to be prepared for the future, KTM is continuing to expand its capacities. The Austrian bike manufacturer currently employs around 270 people - compared to 253 last year. In order to ensure quality in the future, KTM purchased two new bike test benches at the start of the new model year. One of these is a sophisticated roller test stand that can simulate the rigors of a bike's life in just 70 hours. The new administration building in Mattighofen, which KTM had built last year at a cost of five million euros, is also already in use.