What company discontinued production of Buell motorcycles?
Harley Announces End to Buell Production By Marti Mikkelson October 15, 2009 | WUWM | Milwaukee, WI Share / Email Print Harley-Davidson announced today it will end production of Buell motorcycles in East Troy and immediately seek a buyer for MV Agusta, an Italian company it purchased a year ago. Spokeswoman Amanda Lee says the company’s profit dropped 84 percent in the third quarter, and that’s why Harley is making the moves. “The decision to discontinue the Buell product line will result in the reduction of approximately 80 hourly production positions and about 100 salaried positions at Buell. The majority of those positions will end by Dec. 18 of 2009,” Lee says. Lee says the company will now focus strictly on Harley-Davidson products and hopes to expand the number of dealerships. She says the new Iron-883 model has seen modest success, with its reasonable price and marketing strategy toward younger buyers. Sources:
The company plans to discontinue its Buell product line and sell its MV Agusta unit, essentially exiting the sport bike market. “The fact is we must focus both our effort and our investment on the Harley-Davidson brand, as we believe this provides an optimal path to sustained, meaningful long-term growth,” CEO Keith Wandell said in the release. Buell motorcycles will be discontinued, resulting in the loss of 180 jobs over time and MV Agusta will be sold. The troubles are substantial and the work necessary to rebuild is enormous. I have to admit, I was not expecting that news. Wow. I’ll add more details as they become available but what are some possible directions for Buell? Harley Davidson needs to do what it must to save the company and Buell may not fit into their plans but that does not mean there is no place for Buell in the motorcycle market. Harley-Davidson announces 3rd quarter results, Unveils long-term business strategy MILWAUKEE (October 15, 2009) – Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NY
Harley-Davidson discontinued the Buell motorcycle product line due to lack of sales. Buell motorcycles have been a subsidiary of Harley-Davidson since 2003. Sources: http://www.examiner.
