Harley Davidson has led the heavyweight motorcycle market in recent years, capturing about 55% of the market, according to James R. Hagerty's article in The Wall Street Journal (Hagerty, 2011). But following the economic downturn, which had a negative effect on sales, and other market issues, the iconic motorcycle company needs to beef up sales and in addition the company is looking for ways to appeal to younger enthusiasts, to Latinos, and to female riders. This paper will serve as a memorandum to the marketing director at Harley Davidson, Mark-Hans Richer, offering suggestions and strategies to increase market share.
Memorandum to Mark-Hans Richer, Senior Director of Consumer Segment Marketing:
To Mark-Hans Richer:
Clearly, as you are well aware, Mark-Hans Richer, there is a need for Harley Davidson to have the vision, the desire, the needed grasp on market dynamics and the energy to embrace new strategies and bring on a new phase. We're anticipating an exciting new outreach phase in our development that can provide the company with not just additional buyers and higher revenue, but to create a new image in the process of this needed expansion.
Everyone familiar with this market knows that Harley Davidson has as its highest priority, "…reaching customers in new demographic segments" (Redwine, 2010). The Dealer News press notice explains that you will direct marketing "…for all core and outreach consumer segments within North America, with a special focus on women, young adults and diverse markets" (Redwine).
Harley Davidson's Traditional Targeting and Positioning Strategy
We know that traditionally, when a big, loud, beefy motorcycle rolls by on an otherwise quiet city street, a passerby expects to see a 30-or-40-something male at the wheel, likely wearing a thick black leather jacket (with a biker club logo on the back), myriad tattoos, aviator sunglasses, engineer boots and a headband under the helmet. But in order to increase sales, the company needs to not escape from but provide alternative images to this stereotypical biker.
University of British Columbia marketing professor Paul Cubbon notes that there are several motorcycle brands that are in the same category as Harley Davidson, and if all those...
Harley Davidson AMF took over Harley Davidson in 1969 (Motorcycle.com, 2012), a few decades before Treacy and Wiersma developed their theory about value disciplines (1992), so Harley management clearly did not have these theories in mind when setting strategies in those days. The three value disciplines are operational excellence, product leadership and customer intimacy. Arguably, Harley excelled at all three in those days. The company had a very high degree of
The younger crowd may be more attracted by the dangerousness of the bikes and by the sense of adventure involved. Older groups seek a certain return to youth and show an adherence to the idea of freedom. The motorcycle at one time had the aura of an outlaw lifestyle, as noted, an image that the company has not sought and often seeks to counter. Still, that image remains strong
Strategic mergers and acquisition The company can form strategic mergers and with companies that offer related and complementary products and services. The aim is to synergistically acquire some strategic advantages that may boost its sales. E-marketing, e-commerce and e-business The company can employ e-marketing-commerce and e-business to boost and streamline its marketing function, sales functions and logistics respectively. Recent Corporate governance issues and how they ought to be handled by Harley Davidson Restriction on dealer
Harley Davidson has an expanding business in the U.S. with many full service dealerships. The company believes in marketing and promotions and hence puts up much hard work for the purpose ranging from publications to special events, rallies, advertisements and public associations. The Harley Ownership Group (HOG) and Buell Riders Adventure Group (BRAG) are a part of the Harley Davidson responsible for promotional activities. For the cause of expanding its
0%; 2002: 47.5%; 2003: 49.5% Honda - 2001: 20.5%, 2002: 19.8%; 2003: 18.4% Suzuki - 2001: 10.8%; 2002: 9.6%; 2003: 9.8% Yamaha - 2001: 7.9%; 2002: 8.9%; 2003: 8.5% Net revenues motorcycles in major markets United States - 2002: $3,416,432; 2003: $3,307,707 Europe - 2002: $337,463; 2003: $419,052 Japan - 2002: $143,298; 2003: $173,547 Canada - 2002: $121,257; 2003: $134,319 Competitive Categories Performance Styling Breadth of product line Image and reputation Quality of after-the-sale service Price Internal Analysis As the external analysis clearly reveals, the Harley Davidson
Harley Davidson is the world's largest producer of heavyweight motorcycles. The company is structured around operating business divisions and along functional lines including retail stores, Buell and the flagship line. The company operates four major manufacturing facilities: vehicle operations in York, PA produces touring bikes; Tomahawk, WI produces saddlebags, windshields and other parts; Kansas City, MO produces several bike families and some powertrain; Menomonee Falls, WI produces powertrains. Head office
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