Is it a stupid mistake for Harley Davidson to put a plant in India?
Posted by James on May 1, 2011 · 6 Comments
Question by FOOD FIGHT!: Is it a stupid mistake for Harley Davidson to put a plant in India?
Their market is fiercely patriotic and does not deal well with design changes much less vegetarian curry.
Best answer:
Answer by David
yes I think it was. Harley riders that are for the most part patriotic and will not buy a bike made in India. That is, if they know. They will probably start buying Indian and Victory Motorcycles.
Give your answer to this question below!
They tried Japan No it’s a terrible for the legendary Harley Davidson to leave the USA. But with the tax’s and the GOV pushing the company’s out it all about $.
If people stop buying their products, then yes. If people appreciate the lower cost of the products resulting from moving, then no.
That depends. Many people don’t realize that the majority of companies that outsource do so, because they’re selling that particular product to an overseas market.
Excerpts from article I’ve just read:
With the opening of the new plant, Harley-Davidson looks to expand its presence in the world’s second-largest motorcycle market. Incomes in India have been on the rise and a burgeoning middle-class with more disposable income has developed. The current high-displacement motorcycle market in the country is dominated by Japanese manufacturers.
Harley-Davidson started selling 12 models in India in July of this year after establishing authorized dealers in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh and Hyderabad. The current H-D bikes sold in the Indian market come as completely assembled motorcycles built in the U.S., then shipped overseas. India joins Brazil as the second country in which Harley-Davidson has established a CKD assembly plant.
“We are committed to global growth and growth in India for the long term,” said Levatich. “India’s rapidly growing economy, rising middle class and significant investment in construction of new roads and highways are paving the way for leisure motorcycle riding.”
Probably about as wise a move as when they sold out to AMF back in the day. For about 10 years, Harley’s were crap.
I’m thinking about learning Hindi or Mandarin and taking my ball and going where the jobs – and future capital is turning up. Our corporate overlords have no allegiance or patriotism towards the US – so why should I? I gave six years of my life to the Military – I think that is enough patriotism for a lifetime. US corporations have been sitting on a trillion dollars – waiting for the all clear sign from a bought republican legislature – to begin the wholesale program of investment in China and India, and their couple Billion potential new customers. Like a useless old Gold mine – the US consumer is tapped out. It’s absolutely comical and symbolic that “American Made” Harley Davidson” is headed for Mumbai. Nascar might as well get in on the action too.
It will get cheaper by 20% if made in india.