| Author | Message | ||
     Teddagreek |
http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-news-industry/ harley-davidson-chief-speaks-out-over-buell/8496.h tml | ||
| B00stzx3 |
"were not trying to be all things to all people". Just old bearded guys and OMG's I guess. Wendell=serious malaka. | ||
| Richsm2 |
and this www.visordown.com/motorcycle-news--general-news/ne w-buell-powered-cagiva-range-by-2010/6159.html | ||
| Hmartin |
Or how do you like this one? "...Harley-Davidson (NYSE:HOG) announced two long-overdue steps aimed at returning the company to the halcyon days of two years ago: Shutting down its Buell line and selling off the legendary high-performance brand MV Augusta. The moves will cost the company millions, but will allow it to refocus on its core business, the cruiser bike market. http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/10/15/harley-davi dson-to-shut-down-buell-mv-augusta-brands-finally/ Given the things noted in this article regarding the lack of dealer support and company promotion, I suppose that Harley's ownership of Buell was destined for failure, but still, something just irks me about the use of the words "finally" and "long-overdue" in this article. I guess it's never not about the money, is it? | ||
| Bud |
According to CFO John Olin, the Buell brand is not accounted for separately on the Harley-Davidson books, and therefore the company has chosen to kill it rather than sell it off. Another explanation might be that the brand has little to no value." Shees.. is this guy for reall ? this is kicking while lying down in my book. i will not believe this guy said this. otherwise he is my nomeny for the darwin centenial award | ||
| Madduck |
My understanding is that over 80% of the existing dealers "voted" to not continue to carry the Buell brand, even after the national championship. The latest focus for the new CEO will be to generate enthusiasm by the dealers of their core profitable product. Harley may be looking at cutting further as the V-rod line may not be long for the world. I still see Buell design dominating the "sportster" line in the not too distant future. The XR1200 has beena surprise seller both here and in europe. If anything can continue Buells design influence and change the dealer mindset it will be the XR1200. | ||
| Hughlysses |
My understanding is that over 80% of the existing dealers "voted" to not continue to carry the Buell brand, even after the national championship. Madduck- Tom Bumpus (owner of the HD/Buell dealership in Murfreesboro, TN and Badweb sponsor) posted yesterday that he was on a company advisory board and knew nothing about this before it hit the news yesterday. I don't think the dealers had any say in it. | ||
| Indy_bueller |
were not trying to be all things to all people we [don't want] to be all things to all people Fixed! | ||
| Ferris_von_bueller |
From, http://www.jsonline.com/business/64462187.html "But this summer, Harley executives dropped plans for a $10 million Buell facility in the East Troy Business Park, saying they had taken a fresh look at the plans and decided the timing was wrong. Also, company founder Erik Buell did not renew his employment contract with Harley-Davidson." Wow, I had not heard that | ||
| Thespive |
There were post on here back then about those quotes. I think that is where the uneasiness and speculation with a bunch of us started. If they kill the V-Rod, their only truly modern bike they will REALLY be in a heap of shit. --Sean | ||
| Teddagreek |
They tried to go after the power cruiser market and FAIL | ||
| Americanmadexb |
I just don't understand. If Buell "has no value", why the hell wouldn't you sell the brand back to Erik and let him be on his marry way selling in dealerships he wants too? I think they are scared! | ||
| Chellem |
The dealers didn't get a vote. HA! Anyone who thinks Harley takes advice from dealers is delusional. I know you guys hate dealers, but I just have to say, this decision was NOT spurred on by the dealers. How each dealer feels about it aside, there was no vote. | ||
| Madduck |
Anyone that thinks a corporation the size of Harley Davidson, that is wholly dependent on an independent group of dealers, most with long term contracts, doesn't "listen" is kidding them selves. Harley dealers all have zone reps and wht their wants and needs are gets communicated very effectively up the channels to corporate. Corporate watches numbers of dealers renewing/adding Buell contracts versus dealers dropping the brand. That number has never been in Buells favor since coporate ceased the intense pressure for dealers to carry the line. When HD corporate quit "rewarding" HD/Buell dealers with extra Harleys to sell, the Buell dealers started dropping like flys. Harley may not act on every little dealer request but they look at their market long term and will see their company thru this latest down turn. | ||
| Tripp |
definitely not spurred on by dealers, we found out the same day everyone else did! | ||
| Chellem |
I didn't say they don't do market research. In that sense, if you consider that "listening" then I know they do. What I said was they don't take "ADVICE" from dealers. And I speak from experience on that. | ||
| Gowindward |
According to CFO John Olin, my dick is not accounted for separately on the Harley-Davidson books, and therefore the company has chosen to cut it off rather than sell it off. Another explanation might be that my dick has little to no value." John, I think you are right. It wouldn't even make a good size wart on a flee's a$$. What a freaking PIN HEAD!!! | ||
| Court |
But I must say . . . if you are a CEO of a major corporation making a couple million bucks a year and the best you can do is . . .
You need a PR writer. | ||
| Cityxslicker |
Its just upsetting. The bikes started in a barn 26 years ago. Erik still owns the barn... | ||
| Bigdaddy |
Mr. Wandell can absolutely count on bumping along the bottom without a contribution from me. Sidebar: Personal note to Mr. Wandell: Screw you and that is all. (Message edited by bigdaddy on October 17, 2009) |
