For over 30 years, if you saw a KTM with sharp angles, a “predator” headlight, or aggressive orange styling, you were looking at the work of KISKA. But in a massive shift for the motorcycle world, KTM has officially ended its ownership relationship with the Salzburg-based design agency as of February 2026.
This move marks the end of an era that began in the early 1990s. KTM has sold all its remaining shares in KISKA to the technology firm Loxone GmbH, paving the way for a brand-new in-house KTM design centre.
Why the Split? The Bajaj Takeover & Restructuring
The breakup isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about a massive corporate overhaul. Following a period of financial “self-administration” (Austrian bankruptcy protection) in late 2024 and 2025, Bajaj Auto has emerged as the majority owner and decision-maker.
Key Corporate Changes:
- New Name: Pierer Mobility AG has officially been renamed Bajaj Mobility AG as of January 13, 2026.
- Ownership Shift: Loxone GmbH now holds 71% of KISKA, while KISKA’s management keeps the remaining 29%.
The “Unhealthy” Dependency
KISKA wasn’t just a contractor; they were the architects of the KTM brand, handling everything from product design and engineering to apparel, communication, and brand strategy. However, being so closely tied to one giant client had its downsides.
Julian Herget, KISKA’s managing director, admitted that the agency’s reliance on KTM had become “unhealthy.” When KTM’s financial crisis hit, the ripple effect was felt immediately—42 employees were laid off at KISKA. Moving forward, KISKA is diversifying, taking on new clients like the AIMA Technology Group (e-bikes) and providers in the agricultural and powersports sectors.
What’s Next: The New KTM Design Centre
KTM isn’t outsourcing its look to someone else. Instead, they are setting up a dedicated in-house design centre in Salzburg. This facility will be separate from their main development hub in Mattighofen, allowing the design process to happen right under KTM’s own roof.
Will the bikes look different?
- New Colors: You might notice the shift already. For the 2026 model year, KTM is expanding its palette beyond orange to include more black, white, and blue options.
- Timeline: Truly “new” designs developed entirely by the internal team aren’t expected to hit the road until 2028 at the earliest.
- Indian Influence: With Bajaj at the helm, experts expect future designs to focus more on heat management and ergonomics suited for global markets like India, potentially shrinking the time gap between international and Indian launches.
The Future of Husqvarna and GasGas
It’s not just KTM—the same shift applies to the entire group. Both Husqvarna and GasGas will now be designed under this new in-house umbrella. While KTM recently sold its majority stake in MV Agusta back to the Sardarov family to focus on its core business, the “big three” brands are now more unified than ever.
Are you a fan of the classic KISKA look, or are you excited to see a “Bajaj-influenced” KTM?
