KTM has expanded its manufacturing footprint in South America with the opening of a new production facility in Manaus, Brazil.
The KTM Manaus plant has an annual production capacity of 20,000 motorcycles and will manufacture ten KTM and Husqvarna models. These will cover adventure, motocross and enduro categories.
The facility is already operational and currently supports around 100 direct and indirect employees. KTM expects to produce approximately 3,500 motorcycles by the end of 2026, before increasing production through 2027.
The new facility is an important part of KTM’s strategy for Brazil, giving the company greater control over local production while preparing for further growth in the market.
KTM Manaus Plant Gets R$ 20 Million Investment
KTM has invested approximately R$20 million in facilities and equipment for the new Manaus operation.
This is not KTM’s first manufacturing activity in the city. The Austrian motorcycle manufacturer started assembling motorcycles in Manaus in 2016 through a partnership with Dafra Motos.
The new plant, however, gives KTM an independent manufacturing operation dedicated exclusively to KTM and Husqvarna.
It operates using the CKD production method and handles several processes locally, including kit preparation, engine assembly, motorcycle assembly, quality control, packing and shipping.
The facility is also located alongside Bajaj Auto’s operation in Manaus, further highlighting the importance of the partnership between Bajaj and KTM in Brazil.
Ten KTM and Husqvarna Models to Be Produced
The KTM Manaus plant will initially manufacture ten motorcycles across three major categories.
For motocross, production includes the KTM 250 SX F and KTM 450 SX F.
The enduro range includes the KTM 250 EXC F, KTM 350 EXC F 6DAYS, KTM 300 EXC and KTM 300 EXC 6DAYS.
Husqvarna will also be part of the operation with the FE 350 and TE 300 PRO.
Alongside these competition focused motorcycles, KTM will also locally produce two models that should have wider appeal among adventure riders.
KTM 390 Adventure R and 390 Adventure X Join Local Production
The new KTM 390 Adventure R and KTM 390 Adventure X are part of the Manaus production plan.
Both motorcycles were introduced in Brazil in August 2026, with local availability scheduled from October.
The road friendly KTM 390 Adventure X is priced at R$ 33,990, while the more off road focused KTM 390 Adventure R costs R$ 37,990.
Their inclusion is particularly interesting because the 390 platform already has a strong connection with India through KTM’s long standing partnership with Bajaj Auto.
Recent Brazilian reports indicate that components for the locally assembled 390 Adventure models are sourced from India, connecting KTM’s Indian manufacturing base with its growing Brazilian operation.
Bajaj Auto Plays an Important Role
Bajaj Auto’s involvement makes the new factory particularly relevant from an Indian automotive perspective.
Speaking at the inauguration, Bajaj Auto Joint Managing Director Rakesh Sharma described Brazil as an important market for both Bajaj and KTM.
He also highlighted the location of the KTM facility alongside Bajaj Auto’s Manaus operation and said the two companies intend to combine their strengths to grow their business in Brazil.
KTM and Bajaj have worked together since 2007, and India has grown into KTM’s largest global market. KTM currently has more than 450 stores in India and a customer base of nearly half a million riders.
The new Brazilian operation shows how that relationship is extending beyond India into other international markets.
KTM Plans to Expand Its Brazil Dealer Network
Local manufacturing is only one part of KTM’s expansion strategy.
The company currently has 12 authorised locations in Brazil and plans to increase its network to 30 outlets by 2027.
A larger dealer network should help KTM improve motorcycle availability, sales and after sales support as production at the Manaus facility increases.
The factory itself has also been designed to grow with the market. KTM says the facility can expand both its production capacity and model portfolio as demand develops.
KTM Manaus Plant Strengthens the Brand’s Brazil Strategy
The opening of the KTM Manaus plant marks an important change in the company’s approach to Brazil.
Instead of relying on its previous local assembly arrangement, KTM now has an independent production operation capable of manufacturing 20,000 motorcycles annually.
More importantly, the plant brings together KTM, Husqvarna and Bajaj’s growing interests in Brazil. With ten motorcycles entering local production and the dealer network expected to more than double by 2027, KTM is clearly preparing for a larger presence in the country.
Production will begin on a relatively modest scale, with around 3,500 motorcycles targeted by the end of 2026. The real potential of the Manaus facility should become clearer as KTM increases production and expands its Brazilian retail network through 2027.
