Harley Davidson Inc – Rise and Rise of a Legend
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Its a genuine success story of a motorcycle legend wherein the company grew from strength to strength, despite of the problems which it faced in interim period. The company was founded in 1903-1981 by Harley and Davidson. It did a humble beginning by producing bikes in garage. Later, their 2 cylinder, V twin engine, deep rumbling sound became rage of America. However, it faced challenge from Japanese companies like Honda. Subsequently, it lot of business and started to lose its share in motorcycle business rapidly.
From 1981-2006 was a period of rebirth for the company. After the acquisition, it emerged as an independent, privately owned company which was heavily laden with depth. Thus they engaged into heavy staff cuts and layoffs. It also started rebuilding production methods and working practices, it helped in cutting cost and improve quality. They also deployed Just In Time inventory management to cut inventory cost. As it went public its share of market rose steadily from 30% to 60%.
Harley became a leader of heavyweight motorcycles and thereafter started to show global inclination. However, it lagged behind Japanese companies in terms of features, innovations, new technology and cost. There after company concentrated in building brand image, product innovation and customisation, development of distribution network, increasing the product range (accessories) international expansion, efficient operations and superior Human Resource management. Hus, it was able to give stiff competition to all international Brands.
Its a genuine success story of a motorcycle legend wherein the company grew from strength to strength, despite of the problems which it faced in interim period. The company was founded in 1903-1981 by Harley and Davidson. It did a humble beginning by producing bikes in garage. Later, their 2 cylinder, V twin engine, deep rumbling sound became rage of America. However, it faced challenge from Japanese companies like Honda. Subsequently, it lot of business and started to lose its share in motorcycle business rapidly.
From 1981-2006 was a period of rebirth for the company. After the acquisition, it emerged as an independent, privately owned company which was heavily laden with depth. Thus they engaged into heavy staff cuts and layoffs. It also started rebuilding production methods and working practices, it helped in cutting cost and improve quality. They also deployed Just In Time inventory management to cut inventory cost. As it went public its share of market rose steadily from 30% to 60%.
Harley became a leader of heavyweight motorcycles and thereafter started to show global inclination. However, it lagged behind Japanese companies in terms of features, innovations, new technology and cost. There after company concentrated in building brand image, product innovation and customisation, development of distribution network,