KTM
KTM started in 1934 when an engineer, Hans Trunkenpolz, opened a metalwork shop in Mattighofen, Austria. It wasn’t until 1953 though that he actually began producing motorcycles. KTM is the abbreviation of the original shops name "Kraftfahrzeuge Trunkenpolz Mattighofen" (Motor Vehicle, [Hans] Trunkenpolz, Mattighofen.
Motorcycles were built at a rate of three per day by a group of 20 employees and in 1955 Ernst Kronreif invested in the company which subsequently changed its name to Kronreif & Trunkenpolz Mattighofen.
In 1962 Hans tragically died of a heart attack and his son, Erich, took his place at the company helm.
In 1966 KTM won three gold medals at the international Six Days in Sweden which was swiftly followed in 1970 with the first KTM engines being produced and Manfred Klerr winning the Austrian National Championships on the newly developed 250cc motocross bike.
By 1971 KTM had 400 employees and by 1974 the product range spanned 42 different models and in the same year Russian Gennadij Moiseev wins the first 250cc Motocross World Championship title.
KTM have had some rough times over the years, in 1988 the decision was taken to cease manufacturing scooters and in 1991 the company filed for bankruptcy which forced KTM to be split into independent companies; radiators, motorcycles, bicycles and tooling manufacture.
By 1992 KTM Sportmotorcycle GmbH was born, under new management and with a new Hard Enduro concept. By 1994 the company was renamed KTM-Sportmotorcycle AG and, with a workforce of 212, commencement of the Duke series of motorcycles began.
By 1995 KTM had bought out Swedish manufacturer Husaberg AB and White Power Suspension. They were now producing over 12,000 motorcycles and turning over ATS 1.1 billion.
In 2000 KTM won six World Championships including the 500cc motocross World Championship, and countless Enduro titles.
From 2001 KTM began its unending domination of the Dakar Rally, winning it in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010 and 2011. If you’re wondering why they didn’t win in 2008, the Dakar wasn’t run!
KTM
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