The Harley Davidson Motorcycle: A Brief History of The Iconic Brand
Harley Davidson: A Brief History of the Legendary American Motorcycle Company .Why people love this? A Brief history Of The Iconic Brand
The Beginning
Harley Davidson Motorcycle was established by Arthur Davidson in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1905, the same year automobiles came into being. He was the one who designed the world's first motorcycle to be offered for sale in dealerships. The Davidson Motorcycle: A Brief History of the Legendary Brand After a few years of producing motorcycles, Arthur Davidson moved away from motorcycle making to focus on his first love - bicycle production. In fact, he remained as the CEO of Harley Davidson Motorcycle until he died in 1917. The company was then sold to Henry J. Kaiser who changed the name to Kaiser-Frazer and successfully manufactured commercial vehicles. The sale did not last for long and Henry J.
A Legend Begins 1907
Alfred John Harley began manufacturing of motor cycles in 1902. In 1905, he brought a Harley to the United States with his father, Edgar Harley. The bikes were sold through Cycle City. In 1909 Harley launched the first of its famed touring motorcycles. In 1912 he sold the Motor Company. He didn't have a wife or children at the time. His cousin bought the company with the goal of marketing the bikes to women. Recovery in the Thirties The company fell on hard times and the Harley family began selling Harley Davidson through a huge chain of stores called The Cycle Corporation of America. But in 1938 they brought back the name Harley Davidson, by which they're famous today. The Motor Company was re-opened. The bikes became famous again. They were featured on TV's Good Times and Taxi.
World War I and II
Harley Davidson were the biggest motorcycle manufacturer of the World during the World War I and II era. The company had shown commitment to the military sector by introducing the M3 that helped the U.S Army during WWI. The M3 was named after the two Lohner L-1 aircraft engines that powered the machine. The major American and British governments were the buyers of the motorcycle. More than one million motorcycles were sold and thousands of unit were sold overseas. The reason for Harley Davidson’s dominance during the war years was because their bike was the cheapest to operate and that boosted its sales. Harley Davidson was the only source of a mobility when the supply lines for transportation were cut and manpower was short.
Post War Success
by Neil Howe | Published April 3, 2016 | updated April 3, 2016 . Harley-Davidson is the archetypal middle America success story, an iconic American motorcycle manufacturer based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The company’s remarkable revival began in 1919 with a Ford Model T, purchased for the company president, William S. Harley, by Henry Ford. The end of WWI ushered in the era of motorization. Harley-Davidson was one of the few companies that saw opportunity in the transition from horses to cars. In 1919, while Ford was upgrading his auto plant, Harley was buying surplus Model Ts to rebuild as the “Harley-Davidson Model T.” With the purchase of the first Model T, Harley also bought the Ford Motor Company.
Modern Times
2005—David D. Berryman is convicted of insider trading by having shared information from his company regarding the tech boom. He is sentenced to 50 months in prison, plus a fine of $10,000. 2008—Harley Davidson's chief financial officer, Gregory T. Boochever, is convicted of conspiracy, making false statements to the SEC, obstruction of justice and conspiracy to commit securities fraud. He is sentenced to 16 months in prison, plus a fine of $250,000. 2009—William D. Harris, a former head of Harley Davidson's business in Africa, is convicted of conspiracy to commit securities fraud, securities fraud, wire fraud, making false statements to the SEC and obstructing an SEC investigation. He is sentenced to 25 months in prison, plus a fine of $250,000.
Harley Davidson Today
There’s nothing as American as riding a motorcycle. And that explains why Harley-Davidson is the nation’s best-selling motorcycle company. Even though, the company has been around since 1885, only 25 percent of its current motorcycles were produced in the United States. Why? Because, even though, this company has been around since 1885, only 25 percent of its current motorcycles were produced in the United States. 1910 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Harley-Davidson has been working overtime to bring the American dream back to America.
Future of Harley Davidson
After a strong quarter for motorcycle sales with a 23 percent increase in July, Harley-Davidson reported revenue of $1.12 billion for the third quarter ending in August, down 6 percent from the same quarter a year ago. So far this year, the company has not been able to sell as many motorcycles as in a typical year. "Our U.S. business is suffering as we continue to fix an inventory overhang from 2016 and parts shortages related to the WSS rollout," Chief Executive Officer Matt Levatich said in a statement. What's Behind Harley Davidson?
