Colombian Motorcycle Brand AKT Motos Continues to Evolve as It Grows in the Regional Market

AKT Motos was founded in 2004 with the intention to produce affordable motorcycles in a Colombian market that was largely dominated by the big brands from Japan and other traditional markets. The company, which was founded in Envigado, Antioquia, quickly gained a strong reputation in the country and even began exporting motorcycles to other countries across Latin America.

Alejandro Gonzalez Gutierrez, international sales director of AKT Motos, recently told Finance Colombia that the company now exports bikes to over 20 countries and is rapidly expanding its presence throughout South America. It has recently launched in both Bolivia and Aruba — even while growing its national network to 5,000 spare parts distributors and 427 service centers in Colombia alone.

Above all, Gonzalez emphasizes that the company’s success and ability to keep expanding comes down to its strong focus on quality. This ethos has been fundamental since the very beginning when the company worked to bring its NKD 125 model to market.

“Before coming with that release, we took more than two years testing the motorcycle we wanted to bring to the Colombian market,” he said. “That is why it’s proven quality — because we really take that word seriously. It is very important and critical for us.”

Driving Sales on the Ground and Digitally

Beyond its laser focus on quality, AKT has found increased success as its grown through an ongoing push to establish a diverse range of sales channels. The company says its distribution network now includes partnerships with 514 motorcycle sales points, as well as a regular presence in Colombian retail chain Éxito.

As buying patterns have evolved, AKT has also increasingly implemented digital sales, connecting with customers through a range of platforms including WhatsApp.

This approach has proven to be highly effective, with digital sales now accounting for nearly 10% of monthly sales, according to Raúl Vergara Londoño, the company’s administrative director.

Fostering a Diverse and Vibrant Workforce

As part of its growth strategy, AKT Motos has been working toward greater gender equality. Gonzalez says that 23% of the company’s workforce is now women, a figure that is steadily increasing.

“We are working on closing the gender gap,” said Gonzalez. “Women are starting to make up almost 30% of that young team.”

The hiring plan continues to pay off in his view, and Gonzalez credits the company’s vibrant team — especially its Millennial and Gen Z workers — for providing the intangible, but essential, qualities that make up the AKT’s culture.

“We have a very young team, and that injects a great deal of energy and a positive vibe into the company and the brand,” said Gonzalez. “It brings new energy and constant innovation.”

Moving Beyond Motorcycle Sales

To expand its value and brand presence in the marketplace, AKT has been working to provide more than just motorcycles.

One strategy has been building collaborations with mayors and transit entities to organize defensive driver training workshops, in addition to promoting road safety with a campaign called “Mi Familia Me Espera,” to instill safe riding practices. The executives are quick to point out that they emphasize user education for all drivers regardless of the brand they ride.

In addition, the company provides preventive maintenance sessions. This way, customers can stay safe and get the most out of the motorcycles they ride for longer without needing to rely on mechanics or sending their bikes to the shop.

Because the world keeps changing and new technologies are emerging, AKT is also moving beyond its traditional motorcycle business. The company has expanded into the electric mobility market with electric bicycles and a three-wheeled electric cargo vehicles in an attempt to broaden its offerings and serve even more customers.