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Submitted by sesteban on April 12, 2007
Category: Business
Words: 768 | Pages: 4
Views: 246
Popularity Rank: 45,005
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Harley-Davidson Motor Company was founded in 1903 by William S. Harley and Davidson brothers and has come to symbolize the all-American attributes of individuality, freedom and passion for adventure.
Harley-Davidson produced by 1950 uniquely styled motorcycles that inspired an unusually high degree of brand loyalty achieving a 60 percent to 70 percent of US market share. By 1960 Japanese motor companies hit the country with quality motorcycles for cheaper prices because of a hug structure and efficient production techniques and a strong advertising campaign.
In 1969 AMF, a recreational equipment conglomerate, bought the company and manage it focusing in its worthy products so by 1976 Harley-Davidson offered 4 models while Japanese companies offered 20 to 25 models and its market share dropt to 5 percent. But still they where leaders of the heavy bikes market -700cc and up.
With the 80s Harley-Davidson started its revitalization program with the government help. A 5-year tariff went into effect April 1983 taxing almost 50 percent on 700cc or more motorcycles imported.
Nowadays Harley-Davidson Inc. has $1.04 billion net income (up 8.7% from '05) it sold 349.196 units to retailers (21,7 percent abroad) and it has a domestic market share of 49,3% for heavyweight motorcycles. 88% of its buyers are men with a median age of 45, high income and 51% of their customers owned a Harley before.
US market-oriented economy is marked by steady growth (3,4% in 2006) low unemployment (4,8%) and inflation (2,5%) and rapid advances in technology. The median age of its almost 300 thousand inhabitants is 36,5 years with a $43.500 GDP. The US has the largest and most technologically powerful economy in the world and is the most influencing country world wide.
SWOT ANALYSIS
Strengths Opportunities
Strong image
Brand loyalty
Strong investment in research ...
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