Harley Davidson Motorcycles Has Been Thesis

Total Length: 698 words ( 2 double-spaced pages)

Total Sources: 4

Page 1 of 2



Another key failure factor is shifting consumer preferences. These are driven by shifting demographics, as Harley's core target market is aging out of the range at which it would consider purchasing a Harley bike. This core market -- white males in their 40s and 50s -- has been fuelled by the baby boomer generation, who are now growing too old for superheavyweight bikes (Steverman, 2009).

A third key failure factor for Harley is the company's recent credit practices. The firm engaged in subprime lending in order to sustain its business in the face of slowing sales. As a consequence, however, it now faces a credit crunch.
The firm has raised only part of the operating capital it requires, and is paying a high rate of interest (15%) for the privilege (Hamner, 2009). Almost a quarter of Harley's consumer loans were subprime in 2008, resulting in defaults. Harley wrote down $80 million in bad loans for 2008. Such writedowns, especially in the face of slowing sales, have contributed to a poor financial situation.

The company's current situation is a unique mix of hitting key success factors to build a strong business, then suffering through some of the key failure factors. At present, the latter are more prevalent, resulting in Harley's.....

Show More ⇣


     Open the full completed essay and source list


OR

     Order a one-of-a-kind custom essay on this topic


sample essay writing service

Cite This Resource:

Latest APA Format (6th edition)

Copy Reference
"Harley Davidson Motorcycles Has Been" (2009, August 02) Retrieved June 16, 2024, from
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/harley-davidson-motorcycles-been-20185

Latest MLA Format (8th edition)

Copy Reference
"Harley Davidson Motorcycles Has Been" 02 August 2009. Web.16 June. 2024. <
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/harley-davidson-motorcycles-been-20185>

Latest Chicago Format (16th edition)

Copy Reference
"Harley Davidson Motorcycles Has Been", 02 August 2009, Accessed.16 June. 2024,
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/harley-davidson-motorcycles-been-20185