Photo/text: OAI

It’s been a rough winter for KTM, but there are many indications that the normalization of development and production is now proceeding as planned – albeit with changes in the player picture on the dealer side here at home.

In general, we humans don’t like change, we prefer things to stay as they are. This is our nature, and if we can resist change, we are happy to do so. The KTM Group has undergone a significant structural change in ownership, which led to chaos and production stoppages this winter. But it takes a lot to topple such a strong brand and it is now reported that Indian Bajaj owns about 75% of the entire KTM Group and that the normalization process is well underway. Of course, we don’t yet know what this will mean for the KTM portfolio, but we hope and assume that the changes won’t be too big, as it’s important for the entire motorcycle industry and everyone who loves the orange two-wheelers.

Major changes also in the Norwegian retail network – but AMD comes out stronger

This winter we have also experienced what could be described as major structural changes on the dealer side and there are many indications that this exercise is still not completely over. On the KTM side, players have gone bankrupt, some have wound up their own business, while others are working hard to maintain their position and market share. The competition is tough and the “expensive era” undoubtedly affects people’s willingness and ability to buy expensive capital goods.

AMD is doing well

AMD Motorcycles at Alnabru is an experienced player with a solid technical environment that has been in the industry for more than 30 years and this environment is important for both the industry and motorcyclists. AMD serves a large customer group and enjoys great confidence among customers and motorcyclists in general. Geir Arnestad says that sales of KTM so far have been good, especially in the A2 segment and the middle segment in class A. The promotional prices on the KTM 390 Adventure have been particularly popular. This model has been reduced to a mere NOK 52,000 and is selling briskly in anticipation of the new 390 models coming in September. This model is subsidized by about SEK 21,000 and the motorcycle people like it.

The 390 Adventure is a festive A2 bike that meets many needs, with a low weight and a lively single-cylinder engine that delivers plenty of riding pleasure. This model comes with both spokes and molded rims and is one of the most popular entry-level models in the adventure segment. KTM’s portfolio is large and the Duke family with the 890, 990, 1290 and new 1390 are no less popular.

AMD, with Geir and Kevin Arnestad at the helm, has ensured a healthy operation of the company and is thus equipped to take up the fight for market share. They are aggressive and forward-looking and ensure that the stocks of all KTM models are full, so you can find and choose a model at any time without much waiting time. KTM replenishes in the background, so everyone can turn their bike around almost instantly. AMD also has plenty of capacity in the workshop and therefore does not have long waiting times, which is not the case everywhere, which is also appreciated by customers. Motorcyclists are loyal to their dealer, as we have seen in similar change processes this winter.

An accident rarely comes alone

Early in the winter of 2024, AMD was informed that it could no longer be a Triumph dealer. After about 30 years as a Triumph dealer and as one of the largest dealers of the brand in the Nordic region, this was of course quite unexpected and difficult to understand. Many of the customers we’ve spoken to are completely uncomprehending of Triumph’s decision and clearly express their loyalty to the dealer. So let’s hope that Triumph knows its visiting hours in the Norwegian market and facilitates a soft and smooth transition to new players and ensures that Triumph customers can continue to enjoy 30 years of experience and accumulated expertise. Anything else would be foolish.

But, with change also comes opportunity

Yes, that’s right, AMD has of course had to deal with these changes, and as they say, there’s no point in crying over spilt milk, it won’t work. Geir Arnestad is therefore investing hard and will now use the fantastic and upgraded Triumph premises to establish a new “KTM mega-store”. which will be among the largest in Norway. Here, KTM lovers from all over the country will be able to indulge in orange two-wheelers and a large and equally interesting used portfolio. In addition to this, it is not inconceivable that a new brand will be added to the portfolio that will be complementary to KTM.

AMD’s equipment division has always been large and interesting, and is likely to continue to grow. So all in all, we should not rule out that what was a tough winter with a lot of change is about to turn into an even greater opportunity, also for customers. MC Norway needs experienced and competent dealers; it’s about safety, driving pleasure and not least customer satisfaction. These are parameters that you can’t just read about or simply invoke; trust and predictability are actually created on the basis of good deliveries of high-quality services and products over time. AMD has shown over time that they can do this, so we wish them the best of luck.