Art Tan, a senior managing director at Ayala Corporation, is often seen in the company of the Ayala brothers. The three are known to be hardcore riders of big adventure bikes, particularly KTMs, which the Corporation distributes and manufactures locally alongside Husqvarna at the KTM Asia Motorcycle Manufacturing (KAMMI) plant in Laguna.
Many have had the impression that these three gentlemen wouldn’t even dare touch a lightweight commuter with a 10-foot pole. But now, Tan seems to be singing a different tune.
“I am a convert. I have always ridden larger bikes and this is the first time that I have owned a 400cc bike—the Svartpilen 401,” he says. “I’d encourage everyone to take time to understand not only the brand but the product. These products are built here, handmade by Filipinos.”
Locally, the Svartpilen 401 is priced at 295,000. And pretty soon, it won’t just be Filipinos who will get to enjoy these Huskies. Dino Santos, the president of KTM Philippines, explains that KAMMI will begin exporting the Svartpilen 401, 200, and Vitpilen 401 to other countries in the Southeast Asian region next month and to China starting in March. Around 70% of our locally produced units will be shipped overseas.
Way to make Filipinos proud!