KingBear
Hooligan
With things the way they are in the economic world it's no surprise that motorcycle companies are struggling. Here's what some companies are doing to stay afloat during these tough times. (Digested from various news reports)...
Ducati management take voluntary pay cut
The bosses at Ducati, the Italian maker of racing motorcycles riden by world champion Nicky Hayden, have taken a 10 percent pay cut and given up their future bonuses in view of the economic crisis.
Warren Buffett agreed to buy $300 million of debt issued by motorcycle-maker Harley-Davidson Inc. earlier this week through his group Berkshire Hathaway Inc., based in Omaha, Nebraska.
Many financial experts see the move as a much needed cash injection for Harley-Davidson's financing arm which helps buyers finance new motorcycle purchases at dealerships. Harley-Davidson Financial Services (HDFS), the consumer lending arm at Harley, needs about $1 billion in funding this year to continue providing new motorcycle loans to its customers. It also has a $500 million bank advance due in March.
Motorcycle company teams up with finance company to offer would-be buyers loan options
GE Money, a division of GE Capital, and American Suzuki Motor Corporation have announced a multi-year agreement to provide consumer financing for its motorcycles, all terrain vehicles and scooters. The Suzuki Installment Finance program, managed by GE Money’s Sales Finance unit, offers consumers an easy, convenient way to finance Suzuki powersports products.
Victory Motorcycles Now Offering Five-Year Warranties On Its Entire Product Line
The limited time offer and transferable warranty program is valid for any new and unregistered Victory Motorcycle, and is a full-coverage program inclusive of the whole motorcycle. Motorcycles sold after January 1, 2009 will be retroactively included in this program.
The industry’s only full-line 5-year limited warranty available on all new Victory Motorcycles. The five-year coverage consists of 48 months POLARISTAR ESC coverage in addition to the Victory 12-month Factory Limited Warranty for a total of 5 Years. The ESC carries a standard $50 Deductible with no mileage limitation.
Big Dog Motorcycles chills with sales incentives
While retail stores may steal the headlines by slashing prices, the motorcycle world is seeing its own fair share of sales to entice would-be buyers.
Big Dog Motorcycles has launched an all-new retail incentive which provides new buyers manufacturer’s cash allowances of up to $4,000 on remaining new 2008 and 2007 models.
When all else fails, deny deny, deny...
Motorcycle engine manufacturer S&S Cycle denies troubled rumors
S&S Cycle released a press release to address any rumors that may have started with the auctioning of several pieces of manufacturing equipment.
'Like other companies in the manufacturing industry, S&S has conducted layoffs, and is selling excess equipment. “These are appropriate measures that we took in response to the slowing economy” says CEO George Smith. Smith went on to say “people may not be aware of this, but while we are clearing out some of our machinery, we are also investing in new machines, and increasing our efficiency and overall capability.”
Yamaha announced they will halt production for ten days at 11 manufacturing facilities around the world over the next two months.
BMW posted a .6% increase in US sales last year against an decrease of 7% for motorcycle sales in the US overall. Honda motorcycle sales were up year over year worldwide, though that also had nothing to do with North America or Japan, where unit sales were down 26.5% and 18.5%.
Ducati management take voluntary pay cut
The bosses at Ducati, the Italian maker of racing motorcycles riden by world champion Nicky Hayden, have taken a 10 percent pay cut and given up their future bonuses in view of the economic crisis.
Warren Buffett agreed to buy $300 million of debt issued by motorcycle-maker Harley-Davidson Inc. earlier this week through his group Berkshire Hathaway Inc., based in Omaha, Nebraska.
Many financial experts see the move as a much needed cash injection for Harley-Davidson's financing arm which helps buyers finance new motorcycle purchases at dealerships. Harley-Davidson Financial Services (HDFS), the consumer lending arm at Harley, needs about $1 billion in funding this year to continue providing new motorcycle loans to its customers. It also has a $500 million bank advance due in March.
Motorcycle company teams up with finance company to offer would-be buyers loan options
GE Money, a division of GE Capital, and American Suzuki Motor Corporation have announced a multi-year agreement to provide consumer financing for its motorcycles, all terrain vehicles and scooters. The Suzuki Installment Finance program, managed by GE Money’s Sales Finance unit, offers consumers an easy, convenient way to finance Suzuki powersports products.
Victory Motorcycles Now Offering Five-Year Warranties On Its Entire Product Line
The limited time offer and transferable warranty program is valid for any new and unregistered Victory Motorcycle, and is a full-coverage program inclusive of the whole motorcycle. Motorcycles sold after January 1, 2009 will be retroactively included in this program.
The industry’s only full-line 5-year limited warranty available on all new Victory Motorcycles. The five-year coverage consists of 48 months POLARISTAR ESC coverage in addition to the Victory 12-month Factory Limited Warranty for a total of 5 Years. The ESC carries a standard $50 Deductible with no mileage limitation.
Big Dog Motorcycles chills with sales incentives
While retail stores may steal the headlines by slashing prices, the motorcycle world is seeing its own fair share of sales to entice would-be buyers.
Big Dog Motorcycles has launched an all-new retail incentive which provides new buyers manufacturer’s cash allowances of up to $4,000 on remaining new 2008 and 2007 models.
When all else fails, deny deny, deny...
Motorcycle engine manufacturer S&S Cycle denies troubled rumors
S&S Cycle released a press release to address any rumors that may have started with the auctioning of several pieces of manufacturing equipment.
'Like other companies in the manufacturing industry, S&S has conducted layoffs, and is selling excess equipment. “These are appropriate measures that we took in response to the slowing economy” says CEO George Smith. Smith went on to say “people may not be aware of this, but while we are clearing out some of our machinery, we are also investing in new machines, and increasing our efficiency and overall capability.”
Yamaha announced they will halt production for ten days at 11 manufacturing facilities around the world over the next two months.
BMW posted a .6% increase in US sales last year against an decrease of 7% for motorcycle sales in the US overall. Honda motorcycle sales were up year over year worldwide, though that also had nothing to do with North America or Japan, where unit sales were down 26.5% and 18.5%.
