Hargusta

**Richard Mc F** · 8th June 2008, 10:42

Originally Posted by RiderInBlack

Nooooooooooo

The best of Italian Class Bikes owned by American asses (note I don't think they are upto the standard of being called arses). That would be like GM buying out Ferrari or Lamborghini

.

Like ducati huh

**RiderInBlack** · 8th June 2008, 17:26

Originally Posted by Richard Mc F

Like ducati huh

Na they are more like Fiats

and are about as reliable as HD's, which if the following is true:

Originally Posted by Big Dave

There you go introducing logic to uncredited supposition again.

Ducati built bikes for them in the past?

that might explain HD's reliability

(Teasing ya).

MV Augusta are (or should that be now were) a lot more Classy than Ducati and much better built.

**Big Dave** · 12th July 2008, 02:44

Done deal

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/Shared...ontent-block=1

**Big Dave** · 12th July 2008, 03:05

rom H-DNet, the "official" company line:

-------------------------------------------

Q1: Who is MV Agusta and what type of motorcycles do they produce?

MV Agusta Group is an Italian-based motorcycle manufacturer comprised of the MV Agusta and Cagiva brands. MV Agusta Group has two families of motorcycles: a line of exclusive, premium, high-performance sport motorcycles sold under the MV Agusta brand; and a line of lightweight motorcycles sold under the Cagiva brand.

Q2: Are there plans to expand MV Agusta distribution in the U.S.?

The primary focus of this transaction is to expand Harley-Davidson Inc’s presence and footprint in Europe.

Q3: Are we going to start seeing MV products in H-D dealerships?

We do not expect multi-line MV Agusta and Harley-Davidson dealerships to be the norm although there may be some locations where it makes sense for some combination of Harley-Davidson, Buell, MV Agusta and Cagiva products to be offered by the same dealerships.

Q4: What do I do if I want to become an MV Agusta or Cagiva dealer?

At this time Harley-Davidson’s focus is on the existing MV Agusta/Cagiva network. In the future, we will determine the appropriate longer-term sales and distribution strategy.

Q5: Is this the beginning of a much bigger presence for HDI globally in the performance and entry level sectors?

Our acquisition of the MV Agusta Group is incremental in nature. Over time, we believe there is the potential to expand Harley-Davidson Inc’s presence into new segments but it’s not possible to quantify the opportunity or timing.

Q6: What impact does this acquisition have on Buell? Do MV Agusta and Buell compete for the same market space and the same customers?

We believe Buell and MV Agusta can be complementary. MV Agusta is positioned well above other European premium brands on the basis of price and product offering, while Buell is more at parity with brands like Triumph, Aprilia and BMW.

In motorcycling, there are many subtle distinctions from one style of motorcycle and one brand to another.

Q7: Will Buell and MV Agusta share engine technology or product development?

The MV Agusta Group has world class product development capability, focused on its unique family of products, as does Harley-Davidson and Buell for their product families. While we plan to continue to operate the MV Agusta Group in Italy, including product development, there may be opportunities for cross-pollination and cooperative efforts on certain product development initiatives, as well as the opportunity to draw on one-another’s capabilities and resources. We believe Harley-Davidson, Inc. is fortunate to broaden its product development leadership capability though the additional resources at the MV Agusta Group.

Q8: Do you anticipate manufacturing HD branded or Buell branded motorcycles in Europe? Does this acquisition give you the capability to do so?

As we have said, the acquisition of the MV Agusta Group is primarily intended to expand our footprint in Europe with MV Agusta products. Our focus is on re-starting MV Agusta’s operations and pursuing growth in Europe. We have also said that if we ever were to consider producing Harley-Davidson motorcycles in any market outside of the U.S., it would be for that market.

Q9: When will you go racing with MV?

MV Agusta has a proud racing heritage and is very successful today in the Italian Superbike series. And as you know, Harley-Davidson also has a rich racing heritage. Racing also provides a great testing platform. So bottom line, we believe racing is important and we never comment on specific future racing plans.

Q10: Where can I learn more information about MV Agusta product offerings?
To learn more visit http://www.mvagustausa.com.

**RiderInBlack** · 12th July 2008, 08:19

So translated that really means:
"We are in it for ourselves and see taking over MV Augusta as a way of Flogging off HD in Europe."

Can't see that as being good for MV Augusta in the long run.

**MVnut** · 12th July 2008, 09:19

Thanks for that Dave, very quick indeed. Basically a good deal for both, although certain things should remain individual. As a mate of mine put it, he now owns a 2008 MV Agusta 312R Electra Glide............hahaha

**Big Dave** · 12th July 2008, 09:48

Originally Posted by RiderInBlack

Can't see that as being good for MV Augusta in the long run.

Award winning corporate governance and fortune 500 cash reserves V going bust - again.

Has to be good.

**tri boy** · 12th July 2008, 10:16

Smart move by HD.
Their home market is going backwards quickly, (thanks to the credit/subprime meltdown).
Europe is still cashed up, so better to chase the sales than wallow in a struggling market.
Will be interesting to watch their marketing strategy.
Do Europeans like heavy cruiser bikes?

**jrandom** · 12th July 2008, 10:18

Originally Posted by tri boy

Will be interesting to watch their marketing strategy.
Do Europeans like heavy cruiser bikes?

Well, the Yanks aren't getting the XR1200R this year.

It all fits, really, aye?

**Forest** · 12th July 2008, 17:24

Originally Posted by Big Dave

Done deal

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/Shared...ontent-block=1

Interesting. They sold MV Agusta for only $30 million USD (plus another $70 million to retire the debts).

MV Agusta was clearly in a serious state of insolvency.

**HenryDorsetCase** · 13th July 2008, 17:32

Originally Posted by RiderInBlack

Nooooooooooo

The best of Italian Class Bikes owned by American asses (note I don't think they are upto the standard of being called arses). That would be like GM buying out Ferrari or Lamborghini

.

it could be worse, it could be like Audi buying out Lamborghini.........

oh, wait

**HenryDorsetCase** · 13th July 2008, 19:02

Originally Posted by tri boy

Do Europeans like heavy cruiser bikes?

No they dont. Remember that the XR1200R is being produced by HD at the request of, and solely for sale by, the European HD dealers.

This is a company that is very close to its customers (in spite of it being a billion dollar a year conglomerate) and when they talk it listens. Its also conscious that its traditional customer base (no, not Marlon Brando, he rode a Triumph I mean middle aged guys who want to be weekend badasses) is aging.

This is a very well run company diversifying from a maxed out market into one with potential. I would buy shares in it. Even now.

**Conquiztador** · 13th July 2008, 20:50

MV Augusta. Brings back memories of the duels between Agostini and Saarinen. Those were the days...

**McJim** · 13th July 2008, 21:05

If it's a choice between being owned by Proton, goiing bust or being owned by H-D I wouldn't be getting too precious about it.
It's not going to be as though H-D bought them to eliminate the competition since they really don't compete in the same markets anywhere.

Different customer bases - good move by H-D hedging their bets. Good to see an Italian Marque continue it's story (rather than come to an end...again).