Harley-Davidson to amplify brand power to attract Riders

With deeper consumer insights driving its refined plan and sharpened objectives, Harley-Davidson, Inc. (“Harley-Davidson”) (NYSE:HOG) is strengthening its efforts to build the next generation of riders.

The company plans to focus investment and build new capabilities to invigorate the Harley-Davidson brand and experience to spark passion that deepens rider commitment. Brand and consumer-facing teams are being structured and aligned with an even deeper consumer focus to reach people with consistent and engaging brand experiences. To reflect this, Amplify Brand has been added as a growth catalyst in the “More Roads to Harley-Davidson” plan and will bolster the existing growth catalysts of New Products, Broader Access and Stronger Dealers.

“We see a meaningful opportunity to leverage the power of the brand to demonstrate how riding a Harley-Davidson fills the mind, body and soul in ways that help riders live for real,” said Matt Levatich, president and chief executive officer of Harley-Davidson. “We’ll continue to fuel all aspects of the riding experience and add new solutions to fully develop, engage and retain riders through their journey, starting with the very first spark of interest.”

The company’s intensified rider-centric approach and extensive consumer research show that bringing new riders in and keeping all riders riding – no matter what their experience level, age or life stage, is critical to achieving its objectives.

As a result, Harley-Davidson has sharpened its objectives through 2027 to better align with its expanded efforts to build committed riders. In the U.S., the company plans to expand to 4 million total Harley-Davidson riders in the U.S. through 2027. There were about 3 million total Harley-Davidson riders in the U.S. in 2017. This objective reflects the company’s broader efforts to attract new riders and also retain riders each year. Measuring total riders considers and accounts for all riders – those who join Harley-Davidson each year and also those who exit. As previously stated, the company’s U.S. objective to build 2 million new riders in the U.S., was focused only on riders who joined the brand in a given year.

Outside the U.S., the company has sharpened its objective through 2027 and plans to grow international business to 50% of annual revenue. Previously the growth target was motorcycle unit volume, which was not inclusive of all of the company’s efforts to grow internationally, including IRONe™ electric-powered two-wheelers for kids, eBicycles and a refreshed apparel approach.

“We’re on a quest to build the next generation of Harley-Davidson riders. We are activating our refined plan with focus and an intensity to create new pathways to Harley-Davidson and expand access and appeal to more people around the world,” said Levatich.