AMES, Iowa (BRAIN) — Messingschlager USA acquired U.S. distribution rights to KTM Bike Industries. Messingschlager purchased Cycle Force Group and its subsidiaries in December, including North America Cycles, which will distribute the KTM brand.
"It has been our philosophy at Messingschlager to partner up with brands and help them grow and succeed in the market," said Messingschlager CEO Dennis Schömburg. "The same is true now with our U.S. entity. We want to support brands that already have a successful European business to make their step into the U.S. market as smooth as possible. We're looking forward to working with KTM and bringing the bikes into our IBD network."
Models offered will include full-suspension analog and e-bikes, gravel, lifestyle, and the new Revelator Alto that debuted at this year's Tour de France. The first bikes arrive in November with the full line available in spring 2023. The apex of the KTM range is the electric Macina Prowler Exonic, an enduro bike featuring SRAM XX Eagle SL AXS and a Bosch Gen 4 smart system.
"We have worked with and distributed many European brands in the past, so we're thrilled to work with KTM and the dedicated people behind this legendary brand," said Matthew Nims, North American Cycles sales and marketing vice president. "KTM has a great market position and brand recognition in Europe and have proven themselves to be a reliable partner for the independent dealer. We are excited to further that success through the U.S. market."
All KTM electric bikes are produced in Austria, as are analog bikes retailing roughly above $1,500. For KTM bikes below that amount, options will be available for getting them from KTM's Czech Republic factory or from Asia, Nims said.
"One of the most intriguing stories KTM can tell is how thoughtful their sourcing and logistics are," Nims said. "We can offer our dealers premium products on one hand, yet with KTM's Southeast Asia capabilities, still offer some price point bikes as well."
Importing bicycles from Austria is nothing new to the Nims family. Matthew's father, Nyle, started importing Austro-Daimler and Puch bicycles from Graz in 1978, the result of the bicycle boom. "I began my career in a bike boom and couldn't be more excited for one more project, especially one as significant as this," Nyle Nims said.
In March, Austria's Head Sport GmbH assigned its North American licensing and distribution agreement for bikes and accessories to Cycle Force Group.
KTM Manufacturing began in 1938 and produced its first bicycles in 1964. Managing Director Stefan Limbrunner said, "The USA is the largest and therefore most important market in the world. You really need good partners for that. The combination of NAC, Messingschlager, and KTM Bike Industries is exactly what we have been looking for: competence, distribution, and passion for the bicycle market and cyclists. We are happy that things are finally getting started together."
North America Cycles will begin establishing a limited KTM dealer base with exclusive territories. Sales reps with non-competing lines are being sought in select territories. Dealers and reps are encouraged to contact Nyle or Matthew Nims at sales@nacycles.com or 844-622-2453.
