KTM is an Austrian motorcycle, bicycle and motorsports brand which is co-owned by Indian manufacturer Bajaj Auto and Austrian manufacturer Pierer Mobility AG. It traces its foundation to 1934 as Kronreif & Trunkenpolz Mattighofen. Since the late 1990s, it has expanded into street motorcycle production and developing sports cars – namely the X-Bow. Official website: KTM, KTM X-Bow
Although KTM has been making motorcycles since 1934, it's new to the car business. Evidently, no one told them that if you're going to go back on something you said in the auto business, it's supposed to be really disappointing. Instead, KTM has announced its intention to bring the X-Bow track car to the United States and make it street-legal to boot, despite previously saying that the X-Bow would only be sold in Europe and Asia and that it would be confined to the track.
The announcement was made by KTM sales and marketing chief Hubert Trunkenpolz at the recent annual gathering of KTM bike dealers from across North America in Salt Lake City, Utah. Apparently the company has received some 600+ requests from American KTM dealers for the X-Bow to make the transatlantic trip. Trunkenpolz (now we just like saying Trunkenpolz) noted that they will need cooperation from Volkswagen/Audi, who supplies the running gear, and from local authorities, but that the company "will do whatever is possible to bring the car to the U.S. – that, I promise."
just a week ago KTM has reported that at least their bikes sales numbers are going up again and their production is fully running now.
But today austrian newspaper "der standard" reports that they stop the production of the X-Bow at least until the end of 2009.
this is really sad news that there is no demand for this incredible maschine, but i guess the real problem(not only the price tag) is that there still is no coupé version in sight.