Since ADVMoto couldn't be in Austria for the 2018 KTM Freeride E-XC Media Launch, we did the next best thing and attended their digital media launch. KTM's global marketing team prepped a press conference that livestreamed to the USA that covers the new motorcycle, as well as a presentation from KTM Group CEO Stefan Pierer regarding the future of E-mobility for KTM.

While the presentation focused on the new 2018 KTM Freeride, Stefan Pierer and his marketing and development team also went in depth about the history of E-mobility and what it means for KTM. The Austrian brand aims to be the innovator in electric, 2-wheel technology and plans to, over the next several years, launch more electric motorcycles, hybrids, and electric assisted bicycles. New Husqvarna brand bicycles will also be announced in the near future.

KTM plans to put at least half of their funding into developing the new future E-models, including youth models to compete with entry level 50cc bikes. Combustion 2t and 4t engines are still their bread and butter, and KTM doesn't believe they'll be completely replaced within the next 20-30 years. What they do expect is hybrid engines to become popular over the next 10 years. Thanks to a focus on electric development, KTM was able to hire 500 new employees for a total of 5,600 employees globally. We can expect to see KTM become more prominent in the bicycle world, with new concepts such as a cross-over "X-Bicycle".  

"E-mobility will change the landscape of travel in the future, this is only the beginning." - Stefan Pierer

The press conference also went in depth about the development of the Freeride E-XC. KTM wanted to capitalize on the growing mountain bike segment and produced a motorized bicycle in 2007. It wasn't until 2012 that the Freeride E was put to the test, then in 2014 the production model was presented. Up until now, the KTM Freeride E has been unavailable to the US. The distribution team also plans to launch new ownership options, including leasing so that new owners can get onto the Freeride E-XC on a budget, and stay op top of the latest technology.

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