|
|
Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | not governmental but free enterprise... http://www.fresnobee.com/columnists/mcewen/story/1646412.html I have to applaud the mathews for their stand to be free and what works for them. this bailout stuff is what is causing this, not from a government standpoint but from the big money standpoint that bailed out HD a few months ago. Even from a lack of dealers that everyone whines about concerning Victory, I would rather not be dealer dependant but work with an independant wrench or learn things myself. |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 204
guelph ontario | Same thing happen up here-Wheatly HD-located in a small off the beaten path location has been in business as a HD dealer for many years. They refused to invest millions into a new location with up graded and modern buildings to fit the new image. HD did not renew thier franchise agreement. Wheatly is still there but only as an independant dealer and not an HD dealer although they still have a heavy business with Harley as they have been in that community(Lake Erie abut an hour from Windsor) for many years. |
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 548
Mount Vernon, WA United States | In 2006 Frederick Harley in MD did a HUUUUUGE remodel that was financed I assume partially by Harley. Although the store owners and managers on one hand were thrilled, they were leary as well. I wonder what the state of their affairs are now. Same with a HUUUGE new Harley Dealer here just down I-5 that opened in 2006. Do they really sell enough bikes to have a Harley Dealer every 20-ish miles, ON THE SAME ROAD!!! Bellingham, Burlington, Marysville, Everett, Lynwood, Tukwilla, Tacoma, Lacy.... you get the idea... I mean, more power to them if they can support that many dealerships, but geeez..... With dealers competing with each other I'm guessing it's pretty tough.
However... that article just re-enforces my opinion of the Motor Company. In a time when many, including them are struggling to stay afloat... they don't seem to have the common sense to worry about investing in places that are having trouble and leave those few successful ones alone. |
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 400
| I've been in some newer harley shops. It seems the fancy building and accessories are more important than the bikes. My Victory dealer has 1/10th the space of the local harley dealer, but has the same number of bikes on the floor. |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 79
Memphis,Tn. | IMO, Harley will end up like GM. Remember when GM partnered with Fiat? It cost them 2 billion dollars just to call off the deal. "Here's two billion dollars, now please go away..." Looking now like Fiat used their GM windfall to buyout Desoto, er, I mean Chrysler. Harley spent 109 million to but Italian manufactuer MV Agusta. Why??? I wonder sometimes exactly what's being taught to American executives in our business schools.
Harley was saved once already from themselves in the '80's by Ronald Reagan with his 700cc and up import tariff. |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 273
| They were a great bargain as Agusta was closing the doors.
Harley also gets a better opeing into the Euro markets, by placing their bikes in MV dealers showrooms.
My hope is that now that H-D owns them, I don't have to get a fat-assed tattooed lady to ride on the back.
TopFuel - 2009-09-23 8:33 PM
IMO, Harley will end up like GM. Remember when GM partnered with Fiat? It cost them 2 billion dollars just to call off the deal. "Here's two billion dollars, now please go away..." Looking now like Fiat used their GM windfall to buyout Desoto, er, I mean Chrysler. Harley spent 109 million to but Italian manufactuer MV Agusta. Why??? I wonder sometimes exactly what's being taught to American executives in our business schools.
Harley was saved once already from themselves in the '80's by Ronald Reagan with his 700cc and up import tariff. |
|
| |
politics