Harley to cut 1,100 jobs and close plants

**Bob** · 27th January 2009, 01:15

Harley-Davidson said it will cut 1,100 jobs (just over 10% of the workforce) and close ‘several’ plants in the wake of consumer spending cutbacks. The announcement sent Harley’s already weakened share price falling.

Analysts at Goldman Sachs believe Harley's sales in the United States will tumble 30% this year, the largest decline since the early 1970s.

"We reduced our production levels prudently in 2008, helping our dealers achieve lower inventory levels," said Jim Ziemer, the outgoing chief executive, "and we're going to show similar discipline in 2009."

**tri boy** · 27th January 2009, 06:01

Doesn't bode well for the companies recent expansion into Europe.
One good thing for HD, is their loyal riders will spend their last $100 on that special part for their hog, before buying almost anything else. Food, deodorant,a book, etc

**nallac** · 27th January 2009, 06:06

Originally Posted by tri boy

Doesn't bode well for the companies recent expansion into Europe.
One good thing for HD, is their loyal riders will spend their last $100 on that special part for their hog, before buying almost anything else. Food, deodorant,a book, etc

What do you mean?, real Harley riders wash and can read??????????

since when?

**tri boy** · 27th January 2009, 06:13

If they can get through two pages of "The Cat in a Hat" without screwing up, and less than twenty blowfly's swarm their underarm, then they are deemed to be suitable for attending annual functions that don't require a trough wash.

**nallac** · 27th January 2009, 06:30

shit the cat in the hat is going overboard abit,that would involve words....

you mean a bike mag with shiney chromed out bikes/naked girly pics.

**pritch** · 27th January 2009, 07:40

The email newsletter I got from the Motor Company last week has an offer: if you buy any Sportster model and trade it a year later on a big block model you'll get recommended retail new price for your Sporty.

No doubt "conditions may apply".

**sunhuntin** · 27th January 2009, 07:44

best thing they could do is cut their prices somehow... who the hecks got 30grand to spend on a new harley these days? i can see a lot of harleys either being traded in or repo'd