The Austrian manufacturer crosses, as has been reported, a difficult economic situation. Between now and the end of the year, between 280 and 300 additional employees will lose their jobs. We will move from working in two shifts to working in one. Production will also stop in January and February 2025.
The company needs a cash injection of around three million euros to be able to plan its liquidity for 2025. Management is working hard to find a solution and is in talks with various banks.
KTM maintains close relationships with Red Bull for many years. According to a report from Salzburg NachrichtenMark Mateschitz could help his survival financially, since Mateschitz, heir to and Stefan Pierer, boss of KTM, get along very well.
Indeed, the Robau consortium, to which Pierer, Mateschitz and Raiffeisen Oberösterreich belong, recently acquired 50.1% of the Austrian fire equipment manufacturer Rosenbauer. The European Commission approved this transaction only a few days ago.
And, according to Salzburg Nachrichten, Also There were discussions between the management of Red Bull in Salzburg and that of KTM in Mattighofen. This is not denied, but reference is made to their long association in motorsport.
From next year, the KTM brand will once again be the center of attention in motorsport. The presence of Husqvarna and GasGas will be reduced. And the Red Bull design will be visible on KTM motorcycles in the different categories.
However, Red Bull will not be the financial savior of KTM AG. In a statement from Pierer Mobility AG It reads: “In response to press reports, Pierer Mobility clarifies that there are no discussions for Mark Mateschitz to join Pierer Mobility and KTM.”
Mark Mateschitz is the richest person in Austria.
Photo: Motorsport Images
Cuts in motorsport, but commitment to MotoGP remains
Due to financial difficulties, the motorsport program will also be somewhat restricted. For example, the departure of Husqvarna means that the IntactGP team of And will no longer receive financial support.
Only three KTM riders will participate in the of Saudi Arabia in January 2025. This is the brand's largest project, but also the most important and most expensive. The contract with Dorna to participate in the Motorcycle World Championship is valid until 2026 inclusive.
Despite financial difficulties, MotoGP will not be affected. “We will stay in all the categories in which we compete,” confirmed Pit Beirer, boss of KTM Motorsport. Salzburg Nachrichten. “What we do, we do 100%.”
“But now the focus is entirely on orange. In some series we are currently represented with a triple effort. Our junior program, which starts with the Rookies Cup, is also in no danger. Our partners and sponsors are by our side in this phase.
In MotoGP, the two teams will face each other next year with the same Red Bull livery. In addition to Brad Binder And Pedro Acosta in the factory team, two experienced race winners, Maverick Vinales And Enea Bastianiniwere signed for Tech3.
Pit Beirer confirms KTM will continue MotoGP project as planned
Photo: Motorsport Images
Connecting motorsport to business success
The objective is clear. KTM wants to take another step towards the top, win races and fight for the world title. So, despite the financial problems, the MotoGP project remains intact in terms of budget.
“Motor racing and the success of the company over the past 20 years are directly linked,” explains Beirer. “We are the company's best marketing tool. The company has been growing linearly for over 20 years.”
“We won races and then we sold motorcycles. That's the secret of our success.” A recipe that no longer works at all due to the drop in sales this year. “Like the automotive sector in Europe, the motorcycle sector is in crisis.”
However, Beirer is convinced: “We are 'Ready to Race' and we do not view motorsport as an end in itself. We are now in a very complicated phase and, as a motorsport department, we will do our part to stabilize the business.
“We are part of the family and now we have to stay very united. We have also learned to fight in the sport. We are giving the company everything we have to overcome this together. I remember KTM is in MotoGP since 2017 and has won seven races since then.
In the medium term, KTM wants to fight for the world title in the premier category
Photo: Motorsport Images
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