Who Owns Harley Davidson?

Introduction

Harley Davidson is one of the most recognizable brands in the world, known for its iconic motorcycles that have become synonymous with American culture. However, the ownership of Harley Davidson has been a subject of controversy and speculation for many years. Many people wonder who truly owns the company and what impact ownership has had on its operations, reputation, and quality.

To uncover the truth about the owners of Harley Davidson, we will take a comprehensive look at the company’s history, from its early days to the present. We will explore the various owners and their impact on the company, as well as the strategies and plans for the future. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of who truly owns Harley Davidson and what it means for the company and its customers.

The Early Days of Harley Davidson

Harley Davidson was founded in 1903 by William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson, with the goal of creating a reliable and efficient motorcycle. The company quickly gained a reputation for quality and innovation, and by the 1920s, it had become one of the largest motorcycle manufacturers in the world.

During the early days of Harley Davidson, the Davidson family played a significant role in the company’s operations. Arthur Davidson’s brothers, Walter and William Davidson, joined the company in the early years and helped to establish its reputation for quality and innovation. However, by the 1930s, the Davidson family’s involvement in the company had decreased, and they no longer held a significant ownership stake.

One of the most significant events in the early history of Harley Davidson was the buyout of Arthur Davidson’s shares by the Harley family. In 1945, the Harley family purchased Arthur Davidson’s shares of the company, effectively ending the involvement of the Davidson family in the operations and ownership of Harley Davidson.

Despite these changes, Harley Davidson continued to thrive and innovate throughout the mid-20th century, introducing new models and expanding its reach around the world. However, by the late 1960s, the company was facing financial challenges and was in need of a new owner to help it regain its footing.

The AMF Years

In 1969, Harley Davidson was acquired by American Machine and Foundry (AMF), a company known for its production of bowling equipment and other industrial products. The acquisition was met with skepticism and concern from many Harley Davidson enthusiasts, who feared that the company’s reputation and quality would suffer under the ownership of AMF.

Indeed, the years under AMF ownership were marked by a decline in the quality of Harley Davidson motorcycles, as well as a decrease in sales and market share. Many people blamed AMF for these problems, claiming that the company was more focused on profits than on producing high-quality motorcycles.

Despite these challenges, Harley Davidson managed to survive under AMF ownership, thanks in part to the loyalty of its customers and the resilience of the brand. In 1981, AMF sold Harley Davidson to a group of investors led by Vaughn Beals and Willie G. Davidson, the grandson of co-founder William Davidson.

This acquisition marked a new era for Harley Davidson, one in which the company was once again owned by people who were passionate about its products and its heritage. In the years that followed, Harley Davidson would go on to achieve even greater success, thanks in large part to the efforts of the new ownership group.

The Modern Era: Ownership and Expansion

Since the buyout by Beals and Davidson, Harley Davidson has continued to expand its reach around the world, opening new factories and sales channels in countries such as Brazil, India, and Thailand. The company has also introduced new models and technologies, such as the electric Livewire motorcycle and the Milwaukee-Eight engine.

In 2020, Harley Davidson made headlines when it announced that it was partnering with the Chinese motorcycle manufacturer Qianjiang to produce small-displacement motorcycles for the Asian market. This move was seen by many as a strategic move to expand the brand’s global reach and appeal to younger riders.

Despite these efforts to expand and innovate, Harley Davidson has faced challenges in recent years, including declining sales and an aging customer base. In response to these challenges, the company has implemented a new strategic plan, known as “The Rewire,” which aims to streamline operations and focus on the core strengths of the brand.

As part of this plan, Harley Davidson has made changes to its leadership team and announced that it will be discontinuing some models and exiting certain markets. The company has also announced plans to invest in new technologies and products, such as electric motorcycles and e-bikes.

Who Owns Harley Davidson Today?

So, who owns Harley Davidson today? As of 2021, the company is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange, under the ticker symbol HOG. This means that anyone can own a piece of the company by purchasing shares of stock.

However, the largest shareholders of Harley Davidson are institutional investors, such as mutual funds and pension funds. According to the company’s 2020 proxy statement, the largest institutional shareholders of Harley Davidson were BlackRock, Vanguard, and State Street Global Advisors.

In terms of individual ownership, the company’s board of directors and executive officers hold a significant number of shares. For example, the current CEO of Harley Davidson, Jochen Zeitz, owns over 80,000 shares of the company’s stock, as of the end of 2020.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the ownership of Harley Davidson has evolved over the years, from the early days of the Davidson family to the recent ownership by institutional investors and individual shareholders. Throughout its history, Harley Davidson has faced challenges and opportunities, but it has remained a beloved and iconic brand, known for its quality and innovation.

Today, Harley Davidson is focused on adapting to the changing landscape of the motorcycle industry, while staying true to its core values and heritage. Whether you are a fan of the brand or a potential investor, understanding the ownership and history of Harley Davidson can provide valuable insights into the company and its future prospects.

FAQs

Who originally owned Harley Davidson?

Harley Davidson was founded in 1903 by William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson.

Who owns Harley Davidson now ?

Harley Davidson is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange, under the ticker symbol HOG. The largest shareholders are institutional investors, such as BlackRock, Vanguard, and State Street Global Advisors.

What is Harley Davidson’s strategic plan for the future?

Harley Davidson’s strategic plan, known as “The Rewire,” aims to streamline operations and focus on the core strengths of the brand. This includes investing in new technologies and products, such as electric motorcycles and e-bikes.

What impact has ownership had on Harley Davidson’s operations and reputation?

The ownership of Harley Davidson has had a significant impact on the company’s operations and reputation over the years. For example, the years under AMF ownership were marked by a decline in the quality of Harley Davidson motorcycles, while the recent ownership by institutional investors has led to a focus on financial performance and efficiency.