Market reports – Karl Pernull: becoming the number 1 motorbike power in Europe – Used KTM

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Karl Pernull: becoming the number 1 motorbike power in Europe

Market reports - Karl Pernull: becoming the number 1 motorbike power in Europe - Used KTM

With 5,583 registrations, KTM posted growth of 15.8% on the French motorcycle market. Karl Pernull, president of KTM France, establishes for Site the 2007 balance sheet of the Austrian brand and reveals its objectives for 2008.

Site: What do you think of the general evolution of the two-wheeler market in 2007? ?
Karl Pernull, President of KTM France: At first glance, the market appears stable, although the new Asian entrants are taking market share from the historical players. There is also a real European dynamic. KTM is also the second European brand with an increase of + 14% in immats. However, compared to our European neighbors, France’s performance remains modest vis-à-vis Spain and Italy.

M-N.C: What is your assessment of your year in 125 and large cubes? ?
K. P.: I am happy with the evolution of our road models which have strongly contributed to this growth of 14%.

M-N.C: Are you fully satisfied with the results of your bestsellers: 450EXC-R, 300EXC, 690 SM and 950 Supermoto ?
K. P.: Regarding enduro, yes it is a real satisfaction, both in 4-stroke with the new 450 EXC-R which dominates its category, as in 2-stroke which remains a safe bet for KTM and a demand for our clients. The real success for the road segment is nevertheless the 990 Super Duke which establishes itself as a benchmark in sports roadster and allows us to obtain a significant market share in the segment, with a single model for 563 sales. (the CSIAM listed the registrations of the Super Duke under two different references, "990SD" and "990SPDUKE", Editor’s note).

M-N.C: What are the models whose sales have disappointed you and what was the cause ?
K. P.: Our motocross range in the current context: it lacks the brand’s image and sporting results. There is also the 690 SM, the first model with the new LC4 injection engine, which will be completed from 2008 by four other models developed for specific uses..

M-N.C: According to you, your new products 2007 (SM 690, 950 Supermoto R, read and) have they "fulfilled their contract" for their first year ?
K. P.: Same.

M-N.C: What was the good surprise 2007 ?
K. P.: The 990 Super Duke and Adventure, which are essential in their respective categories, as well as the 950 SM. It is with this bike that KTM created the big supermoto segment, which now appears to be interesting for our competitors. The continuous growth of our accessories and our range of clothing (sportswear), which attract new customers to KTM and retain our customers. And the sales of the Super Duke and its rankings in the reviews of the specialized press.

M-N.C: What was the worst ?
K. P.: The 690 SM found itself alone in 2007 while waiting for the 690 range presented in Paris in October. The delay in production for quads (450 and 525 XC) and our sportscar X-Bow (Cross Bow). And not having the possibility of putting the victory of the Dakar 2007 on the line (7th victory in a row for the brand) … We are waiting for the next edition, KTM continues in rally raid !

M-N.C: According to you, what was the highlight of 2007 in the world of two-wheelers? ?
K. P.: For KTM, it is the presentation of the RC8, which completes our road range. This model represents our know-how: character and design of KTM.

M-N.C: What is the situation of KTM on a European and global scale? ?
K. P.: KTM is well on its way to becoming the No.1 motorbike power in Europe, notably through cooperation with Bajaj. Globally, KTM is a very dynamic group that is developing in new Powersport markets such as 4 wheels with the X-Bow.

M-N.C: How were your new 2008 products (690 Duke, enduro, SMR, SMC and RC8, read and) received by your network and by all bikers ?
K. P.: Regarding the reactions of our network in Paris and Milan, KTM has once again surprised with products that go beyond the expectations of our distributors and customers. All the products received a warm welcome as they perfectly reflect the brand.

M-N.C: In 2008, what will be your objectives in terms of sales but also of network, image and communication? ?
K. P.: In terms of sales, we are counting on growth of 10% with the road range in particular. At the network level, we want a qualitative approach in order to optimize the representativeness of the KTM universe. In terms of image, the communication for the X-Bow has contributed enormously to making our industrial know-how and our state of mind known to new audiences..

M-N.C: Has the Internet’s share of your business increased in 2007: official website, dealer websites, impact on sales of new and used vehicles, visibility, advertising ?
K. P.: The Internet has always been a key medium for publicizing our products and activities. This year, our corporate site has been completely reworked. Each model has its own site. Other activities, such as accessories, clothing range and used models from our network, also have their own website..

M-N.C: What will be your major events in 2008: events, competitions, partnerships?
K. P.: The RC8 circuit days Experience during the marketing of our first Superbike for our distributors and customers. Our "route" agreement with the network at the end of February. The annual event dedicated to our customers, the KTM Mania set up in 2007, which hosted 350 pilots, is renewed but focused on the road and circuit for the 2008 edition. For the competition, the French Superbike Championship with Philippe Donischal and our RC8.

M-N.C: Why KTM does not take advantage of its success in GP 125 and 250 to release a small 2-stroke sports car like Aprilia or Cagiva ?
K. P.: This year we are marketing GP125 competitor versions. For the general public, there are projects under study through cooperation with Bajaj for the development of the 125 and 250.

M-N.C: In conclusion, which maxim would best illustrate your 2007 assessment? ?
K. P.: Definitely "Ready to race".

Interview by Matthieu BRETILLE

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