Harley-Davidson Case Essay

I believe that Harley-Davidson has the ability to succeed in these other countries if they are willing to take the time to study the cultural differences and infuse those differences into the country that they are trying to enter into. They must be willing to respect the different cultures and still be true to the brand that Harley represents. Through either joint ventures or foreign subsidiaries they can gain the knowledge of the surrounding culture and bring their product to the market faster. They must also look for ways to transition from loose to tight cultures, in order for this they need to be informed of the host country's political stability, and look for ways to enlarge the local job market, and develop the local resources that are associated with in that country. Another process would be by not interfering with local governments and hiring the most talented of local personnel. They must also develop regional economic alliances and show that they want to develop the local economies

While cultivating sales in Asia, Harley-Davidson says for now it doesn't plan to manufacture bikes there. They cater their bikes as a luxury to high income communities. In Africa they hold group rides like the one happening in August 2013 held by “Harley Safari” http://www.hogafrica.com/content/harley-safari%C2%AE-august-2013.

The Harley Davidson brand has expanded not only in the United States but also globally, it has transformed its manufacturing, product development, and retail capabilities over

Harley-Davidson, Inc. Introduction Harley-Davidson, Inc. since its inception has specialized in selling dream motorcycles that are of high quality and distinctive in styles. The company in the past have seen turbulent business environment to the extent of leveraged buyout, infiltration of foreign made bikes as well as government regulations. Yet despite these factors, Harley-Davidson continues to reap profits, yield high growth of approximately 15% a year and retain its customer base (Official Website 2004). This position in the market is however limited to the US whereas in other countries of the world Harley-Davidson products remain luxury item requiring emotional attachment with American iconism.

The overall intensity of rivalry in the motorcycle industry is strong, key players in this industry include the Harley Davidson, Winnebago, Polaris, Thor, Artic Cat and Marine Products. These top performers hold a high percentage of

II. Overview of Firm Competitive Advantage Currently H-D is the leading seller of heavy weight motorcycles across the entire world. Because they are at the pinnacle they are the target for the competition. Some of Harley Davidson 's advantages are name recognition, brand loyalty, brand quality and customer loyalty (Hitt, Ireland & Hoskisson, 2013, p. 81). The company benefits by having “the made in America” image attached to its products. The image of a Harley rider and owner is one of a tough, independent, free spirit, ready and willing to take on the world type of man. The sound of a H-D motorcycle in idle or being ridden is unique and very identifiable.

Case Analysis of Harley-Davidson, Inc. Executive Summary Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE:HOG) was founded in 1903. The home base was originally founded in and even today remains in Milwaukee Wisconsin. Harley-Davidson’s popularity grew significantly during World War I, when the U.S. infantry used 20,000 of the company’s motorcycles in its war effort

In this paper we will perform a complete analysis of the Harley-Davidson Corporation including their corporate and business strategies, strengths and weaknesses, environmental opportunities, the five industry forces, and financial situation. Harley-Davidson has many attributes, which will be apparent in the following analysis. The paper will attempt to define the different components of the analysis and put them all together in a way that seeks to explain the way that they contribute to the overall success of the company and its stakeholders.

Harley Davidson: Preparing for the Next Century BUSI 615 40 Professor David Houghton By Brian Lynch Since the founding of Harley-Davidson in 1903 by Arthur and Walter Davidson and William Harley, the company has a rich heritage and a loyal following. The company has proven to be resilient and innovative throughout the years.

Key information presented in the case Harley Davidson is known as one of the main motorcycle manufacturers and sellers in the United States. The company had good business and great market share in the early 1960s when it commanded a total of about 70% 0f the motorcycle market, before the invasion or the intrusion of a small Japanese firm that manufactured lighter motorcycles, known as the Honda. The case study as identifies that Harley Davidson assumed the invasion by the Japanese firm and instead of tackling the competition, it waited for a long time which resulted in the company losing its command in the motorcycle market in the United States. Lack of action by the management of Harley Davidson resulted in the failure of the company

Information Technology The website of Harley Davidson gave us a new concept of Motorcycles! The extension of this website is exceptional. The virtual Customer Service in this website is notorious and extremely helpful. From other motorcycles websites this is one of the most professionals ones where the customer can get a flavor of the company from products up to their businesses profits and others...Harley Davidson publishes material related to all aspects of their motorcycles and provides to their own and the general public good information, expanding their products and other services with local information for countries around the world. Their information and technology, including digital libraries, metadata, authorization and

MGT499: Strategic Management Professor Daniel Corcoran November 30, 2014 STRATEGIC DIRECTION OF HARLEY DAVIDSON The success of Harley Davidson (HD) is due to the American motorcycle icon’s effective Strategic Management. HD’s vision, mission, goals and objectives strive to exceed the requirements of its main stakeholders. Although these needs are not always met, the company has unique relationships with is stakeholders. The company stays on course with its strategic plan, despite the economy and the decline of American manufacturing and what might be considered its dwindling U.S. consumer base.

Rivalry Competition: Harley Davidson has a High Rivalry Competition. HD deals with a huge amount of competition in the Motorcycles industry from other motorcycle manufacturers from around the world. These include Honda, Yamaha , Suzuki from Japan; Ducati, Aprilia, BMW and Triumph from Europe; and the Indian as its main rival from the US. The major problem HD faces here is that most of its major competitors are very diversified and have larger financial and marketing resources. For example, Yamaha generates only half of its revenue from motorcycles. The growth rate of this particular industry is forecasted to be 3.4%.

STRENGHTS 1. Harley Owners Group (HOG) Rallies: The company has its characteristics rallies named as “Harley Owners Group” on a regular basis which involves Harley owners from different parts of the nation to communicate & experience a different lifestyle. The members of Harley owners groups are 1.2 million. 2. Range of

| 0.025 | 3 | 0.075 | | Shifts in buyers needs and tastes. | 0.025 | 3 | 0.075 | | Customer loyalty in European and Asian Countries | 0.025 | 2 | 0.050 | | Costs could become expensive from international importing | 0.025 | 2 | 0.050 | | The Buell division needs to continue to produce a quality motorcycle under Harley’s brand name