Two iconic brands forge a partnership that shows how serious Husqvarna is in battling its way back to the top of the mountain in off-road and motorcycle competition worldwide.
Judging by the rollout of its all-new 2014 range of off-road and motocross machines, Husqvarna’s purchase by KTM CEO Stefan Pierer apparently wasn’t initiated to squash the iconic off-road brand.
No one could have blamed the strategy if that had been the case. In the off-road world, Husqvarna and KTM have held a relationship that is eerily similar to that of American cruiser brands Indian and Harley-Davidson. Just like Indian was to Harley, Husqvarna started earlier than KTM and dominated the off-road segment before the Swedish brand fell on hard times in the late 1980s. While Husqvarna never has completely gone under, its fate of bouncing from owner to owner has tarnished its reputation in the eyes of its customers, and yet its brand image has remained strong enough to make it a valuable asset and arguably a potential thorn in all-conquering KTM’s side.
No more. While the fortunes of the good ship Husqvarna were legitimately righted by BMW, its sale to Pierer Group and subsequent release of an all-new line of off-road and motocross machines that borrow technology extensively from the now-defunct Husaberg and KTM appear to mark a significant new chapter in Husqvarna’s history. According to the company, during 2014 Husqvarna Motorcycles will directly participate in an extensive program of top-level championships. Competing in both the MXGP and MX2 classes of the Motocross World Championship, Husqvarna will also field riders in all classes of the World Enduro Championship as well as in multiple AMA off-road championships.
And along those lines, the company has announced its first significant aftermarket partnership, as all teams will receive the full support of FMF Racing, its products and development. FMF Racing is one of the most dominant and influential brands in the world of off-road motorcycle racing. Founded by Don Emler in Hawthorne, California, the family-owned and operated brand’s steadfast dedication to supporting the sport through the development top-performing products, along with its key partnerships with athletes and event sponsorships, has earned it the respect and loyalty of consumers and motorcycle industry insiders alike. From cutting-edge design to efficient manufacturing, sourcing, marketing, operations and distribution, FMF strives to elevate performance in every facet of the business, and FMF Racing’s legendary red-and-yellow logo has fueled the growth and passion for the sport of motocross for more than 40 years.
Husqvarna Motorcycles Managing Director Oliver Göhring said that the company is pleased to be working with FMF.
“(FMF is) a brand that is synonymous with success, passion for racing, and the development of innovative and cutting edge products,” Göhring said. “With FMF’s support of our racing activities, it will undoubtedly allow Husqvarna Motorcycles to achieve the highest level of success in motocross, enduro and extreme enduro.”
Don Emler, FMF CEO added, “The Husqvarna brand has always been a staple in the sport of motorcycle racing. Being able to join forces with Husqvarna worldwide is a great step for the FMF Racing Brand. From motocross to extreme enduro, we look forward to working with Husqvarna and its athletes, providing them with the very best performance exhaust systems available.”
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