BMW thinking of buying Husqvarna?

[reelman]

OK, I don’t speak Italian so this is probably not a very good translation. If I have the general gist of it, however, there is a possibility that BMW is considering buying Husqvarna. :confused:

Here is the site for the Italian bike magazine "Motociclismo" along with my poor translation of their article. Please post if you can improve the translation or have any further information. http://www.motociclismo.it/edisport/moto/Notizie.nsf/AllDocID/I782B96C0306E3871C1257261005A3174?OpenDocument

According to the daily paper "the Republic" Claudius Castiglioni (with MV Agusta) is in negotiation for the sale of Husqvarna, historically a major brand in the world of off road. Along with Cagiva, Husqvarna makes up part of the Group MV Agusta. Majority ownership has gotten approval to proceed. “The Republic" has information that an interested purchaser could be BMW. The German Colossus, has in fact recently introduced specific off road models which is somewhat of a departure from their characteristic vehicles. Husqvarna, to the contrary, has a deep tradition in this field (founded in 1903) and this could represent an ideal solution for BMW allowing it to absorb some technology and philosophy of thought. Husqvarna in 2006 has sold models from Enduro, Supermotard and MX for a total of approximately 150 million euro. (Hey don’t forget dualsport!)

Dan

[jayjacobson]

BMW thinking of buying Husqvarna?

Is this the same company that makes outdoor equipment such as chain saws?

[CharlieVT]

BMW thinking of buying Husqvarna?

Is this the same company that makes outdoor equipment such as chain saws?

Yup, maybe BMW is going to rebadge Husky chainsaws and weedwackers with the BMW label. That way they can set up boutique hardware stores and sell accessories like official BWM chainsaw chaps. That high end market remains untapped. ;)

[reelman]

Actually, Husqvarna chain saws and Husqvarna motorcycles currently have no connection other than name. I work with the chainsaw folks in Sweden so I have heard the story a few times. Let’s see if I can get this straight.

Husqvarna began making engines and motorbikes in the early 1900’s. They are well known for their world championship motocross and enduro bikes over the years. In 1978, Electrolux acquired Husqvarna and they operated as a wholly owned subsidiary. In 1986, the Husqvarna Motorcycle Division was sold by Electrolux to the Italian company Cagiva and they took over production and development. (You might remember when the Costiglioni bothers of Cagiva tried to take over Ducati in 1983?) Anyway, Cagiva purchased MV Augusta in 1997 and they now make the new MV motorcycles. (Remember the SPR bike featured in “I Robot”) In 2004 the car maker Proton bought MV and a year later sold in to GEVI. When Husqvarna Motorcycles moved production to Italy in 1987, a group of former Husqvarna employees started a new motorcycle company “Husaberg”. Husaberg in now owned by KTM I believe.

OK, so what does this all have to do with the possibility of BMW acquiring Husqvarna Motorcycles? It means World Champions. For example, a Husqvarna won the 2005 World Champion Supermoto and a Husqvarna 660 shattered the lap record winning the big bore class in the Pikes Peak Hillclimb. That’s not to take away from the BMW HP2 showing which was great. Casey Durelle won the “Exhibition” class on a HP2 with a very respectable time of 12:20.951. Gary Trachy won the big bore class on his Husqvarna, however, and had the fastest overall time of 11:46.841 even though he was slowed by a snapped clutch cable.

So when you think of Husqvarna motorcycles think Italian motorcycles and championship heritage, not chainsaws. :D

Dan

[jayjacobson]

....So when you think of Husqvarna motorcycles think Italian motorcycles and championship heritage, not chainsaws. Dan
Yup, maybe BMW is going to re-badge Husky chain saws and weed wakers with the BMW label. That way they can set up boutique hardware stores and sell accessories like official BWM chainsaw chaps. That high end market remains untapped.

OK, good. I was a little worried that BMW was going to make a chain saw or W/W with the I-Drive system and start loosing business in the yard equipment world to the Japanese also! Feel much better now. Thank you.

[CharlieVT]

So when you think of Husqvarna motorcycles think Italian motorcycles and championship heritage, not chainsaws. :D

Dan

I guessed that BMW was probably looking a motorcycle division or subsidiary; thanks for a good history.

I really would have had a problem with a BMW emblem on my chainsaw. :D

[tmgs]

BMW thinking of buying Husqvarna?

Is this the same company that makes outdoor equipment such as chain saws?

and the WR 430
what a fun motorcycle

[tmgs]

Actually, Husqvarna chain saws and Husqvarna motorcycles currently have no connection other than name. I work with the chainsaw folks in Sweden so I have heard the story a few times. Let’s see if I can get this straight.

Husqvarna began making engines and motorbikes in the early 1900’s. They are well known for their world championship motocross and enduro bikes over the years. In 1978, Electrolux acquired Husqvarna and they operated as a wholly owned subsidiary. In 1986, the Husqvarna Motorcycle Division was sold by Electrolux to the Italian company Cagiva and they took over production and development. (You might remember when the Costiglioni bothers of Cagiva tried to take over Ducati in 1983?) Anyway, Cagiva purchased MV Augusta in 1997 and they now make the new MV motorcycles. (Remember the SPR bike featured in “I Robot”) In 2004 the car maker Proton bought MV and a year later sold in to GEVI. When Husqvarna Motorcycles moved production to Italy in 1987, a group of former Husqvarna employees started a new motorcycle company “Husaberg”. Husaberg in now owned by KTM I believe.

OK, so what does this all have to do with the possibility of BMW acquiring Husqvarna Motorcycles? It means World Champions. For example, a Husqvarna won the 2005 World Champion Supermoto and a Husqvarna 660 shattered the lap record winning the big bore class in the Pikes Peak Hillclimb. That’s not to take away from the BMW HP2 showing which was great. Casey Durelle won the “Exhibition” class on a HP2 with a very respectable time of 12:20.951. Gary Trachy won the big bore class on his Husqvarna, however, and had the fastest overall time of 11:46.841 even though he was slowed by a snapped clutch cable.

So when you think of Husqvarna motorcycles think Italian motorcycles and championship heritage, not chainsaws. :D

Dan

I didn't know that they wern't the same parent company, still even if your thinking chain saws, Husky is one of if not the best you can buy like the Stihl.

I had a '83 WR430 that bike was fast and fun

[reelman]

Looks like it finally happened.....

http://www.ama-cycle.org/news/2007/bmwhusky.asp

http://news.motorbiker.org/blogs.nsf/dx/bmw-finally-acquires-husqvarna-motorcycles.htm

http://sameerkumar.blogspot.com/2007/07/bmw-buy-husqvarna-from-castiglioni.html


Dan

[motorhead]

Once BMW does some Cross building and marketing between brands, the Japanese just may have met their match !!

All tho Very HIGH END, the broad range of quality motorcycle types and styles will be just staggering .... Just AWSOME !!

Scott

[Newf]

So when you think of Husqvarna motorcycles think Italian motorcycles and championship heritage, not chainsaws. :D

Dan
Good, because I did not like their chainsaws.