A Message From Matt Levatich
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 10,287
Likes: 7,773
From: West Central FL
yer pissin' into the wind. I still see plenty of trogs on other motorcycle sites commenting about how "no one's gonna buy Harleys once they move production out of America."
Part of me wants to correct them, but most of me just sighs and says "if they're stupid enough to not listen to what they're saying, they're surely not smart enough to listen to what I say."
edit: hey, what d'ya know? Here's one of them now:
They're opening plants in other countries TO MAKE BIKES TO SELL IN THOSE OTHER COUNTRIES. NOT AMERICA. BIKES SOLD IN AMERICA WILL CONTINUE TO BE MADE IN AMERICA.
Do you get it yet or do I need to use really big text?
Part of me wants to correct them, but most of me just sighs and says "if they're stupid enough to not listen to what they're saying, they're surely not smart enough to listen to what I say."
edit: hey, what d'ya know? Here's one of them now:
They're opening plants in other countries TO MAKE BIKES TO SELL IN THOSE OTHER COUNTRIES. NOT AMERICA. BIKES SOLD IN AMERICA WILL CONTINUE TO BE MADE IN AMERICA.
Do you get it yet or do I need to use really big text?
Can you not read a thread and absorb its content? Where did I infer that Harley was moving its entire operation out of the country? People with limited comprehension skills should not be allowed to operate a computer or a motorcycle. If you're going to hang on my every word at least try to understand what I say before you attempt to explicate its meaning. And BTW. That noise coming out of you is not a sigh. It's a fart because you're so full of - hot air. Have a rainy day.
Needless to say this percentage will drop as they ramp up manufacturing in other countries. Sad.
So if the Euros and US come to a zero tariff trade agreement (which we are supposedly in negations with now) does HD plan to close down their brand new European factory? If not it wasn't really about tariffs was it Matt?
So if the Euros and US come to a zero tariff trade agreement (which we are supposedly in negations with now) does HD plan to close down their brand new European factory? If not it wasn't really about tariffs was it Matt?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 14,262
Likes: 15,534
From: Tulsa
Our riders will always come first, along with our dealers who serve and support them.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,561
Likes: 187
From: Florida
This business practice was predictable and not anything new. Car manufacturers have been doing it for years. German & Japanese car companies have been doing it in reverse by making cars in the US. So the MoCo is facing facts and dealing with them.
Now, the local dealers need to realize that the days of full MSRP plus freight, dealer prep, dealer handling, pre-installed accessories, $150 doc fees and the mysterious "dealer fee" charge have passed them by. They, like Toyota & Honda car dealers have had their day of becoming instant millionaires just by owning a franchise. Dealers are in the real world now & they need to accept that.
Now, the local dealers need to realize that the days of full MSRP plus freight, dealer prep, dealer handling, pre-installed accessories, $150 doc fees and the mysterious "dealer fee" charge have passed them by. They, like Toyota & Honda car dealers have had their day of becoming instant millionaires just by owning a franchise. Dealers are in the real world now & they need to accept that.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,447
Likes: 163
From: Northern VA
Absolutely no sympathy for HD from me. Just when the U.S. is leveling the playing field by renegotiating trade deals to reduce tariffs placed on U.S. goods, HD undercuts the U.S.'s position and announces their intention to move some production overseas. These are American jobs disappearing. Makes one wonder what HD's real long term intentions are by shifting production offshore.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 122
Likes: 26
From: SEARK
Statements from CEOs are designed to accomplish the following things (in this order):
- Position a corporation to make money for as long as possible
- Position the CEO to maintain his employment as long as possible
- Pad the CEO's severance package to make it as large as possible
- Placate a board of directors for as long as possible
- Pacify shareholders to keep their money in the stocks for as long as possible
Last edited by DaddyFlip; Aug 15, 2018 at 07:57 AM.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,706
Likes: 13,981
From: Northern New Jersey
Absolutely no sympathy for HD from me. Just when the U.S. is leveling the playing field by renegotiating trade deals to reduce tariffs placed on U.S. goods, HD undercuts the U.S.'s position and announces their intention to move some production overseas. These are American jobs disappearing. Makes one wonder what HD's real long term intentions are by shifting production offshore.
The Thailand factory will be for the Asian/ Chinese market since thats grown and needs to be grown more to survive. https://www.cnbc.com/2017/05/25/harl...an-market.html
As for those who say parts made in China or India are cr*p ( not you) ....it's only the case if you spec the parts out with cheap material , loose specifications and short lead times. My company occasionally gets stuff made in China.
The sh*ts amazingly good when you draw it up that way. Tolerances are right on , anodizing is excellent etc.. HD is just doing what any company needs to do right now to survive.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 3,369
Likes: 472
From: CC TX
I fully understand business,
That said, H-D is taking a Profit and loss position over a much deeper ideal, by building plants to avoid tariffs, they are undermining the intent of our president. His goal is to make America great again, some pain will be suffered by all in the process, hopefully short lived. it would be much more impactful if H-D and other American companies stood behind our elected government to accomplish the intended results.
Just my thoughts, and clearly, I could be completely wrong.
That said, H-D is taking a Profit and loss position over a much deeper ideal, by building plants to avoid tariffs, they are undermining the intent of our president. His goal is to make America great again, some pain will be suffered by all in the process, hopefully short lived. it would be much more impactful if H-D and other American companies stood behind our elected government to accomplish the intended results.
Just my thoughts, and clearly, I could be completely wrong.
