Harley Davidson now has another dealer in China. Their first was in Beijing, this one’s in Shanghai. I’m still curious how they’ll do over there. Lots of restrictions from what I understand.
Harley Davidson press release:
Harley-Davidson opened its first authorized dealership in East China on Nov. 3, 2007 in Shanghai. Jim Ziemer, CEO of Harley-Davidson Inc., David Foley, Harley-Davidson Asia Inc.’s Managing Director for China, and Mr. Wan Jiwen, Manager of Shanghai Harley-Davidson, took part in a special ceremony activating an eye-catching flame-display of the well-known Harley-Davidson Bar & Shield logo.
The dealership in southwest Shanghai offers a range of the Company’s imported premium American-built motorcycles, Genuine Motor Parts and Accessories, and Harley-Davidson’s stylish MotorClothes apparel. Customers visiting the showroom will have an opportunity to sample the Harley-Davidson culture and spirit. Factory-trained personnel will be on hand to guarantee a genuine Harley-Davidson experience. Shanghai Harley-Davidson will share the fun, passion, and lifestyle of Harley-Davidson with all customers and enthusiasts.
“We are very excited to announce the official launch of Shanghai Harley-Davidson,” said Ziemer. “We look forward to getting to know Shanghai’s Harley-Davidson fans!”
Richard says
HD is not a motorcycle company. This is what HD sells: “an opportunity to sample the Harley-Davidson culture and spirit.” Their biggest profit line? “Harley-Davidson’s stylish MotorClothes apparel.”
I don’t think the various motorcycle restrictions they face in China will have any effect in reducing those profits.
Keith says
I have to agree with you Robert . That’s something that metric motorcycles will never have .
greer says
but its something they would have if they could. if people wanted to live the honda(or suzuki, yamaha, kawasaki) lifestyle as much as they do harley davidson, you better believe there would be honda restaurants and huge lines of branded clothing, accessories, toys etc.
Keith says
Greer that is so true to , but this all stems back when soldiers came home from the war to ride their Harlies made in their own country they fought for . It’s a patriotic thing to do at the time . Well as time went on it became a way of life . We can blame the bad boy image , and certain motorcycle clubs to because they rode only a H-D .
todd says
This is interesting. It’s interesting that China would allow a company to promote American culture in China.
Maybe, being a communist country and all, they are impressed with how H-D can get everyone to conform to the same image under the guise of individuality and freedom.
-todd
Bryce says
Todd, thank you for the best laugh I’ve had today.
Prester John says
So what’s actually riding in China like? Here’s a travelog by an American who bought a Chinese dual sport and rode through the country:
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=222736
Tom
Billy says
Howdy guys, I’m an american living in Tianjin, China, believe it or not i actually have a motorcycle themed bar here. I have to tell you riding here is like playing a really bad video game where everybody is trying to kill you. Traffic signs and lights are only suggestions, and because bikes are banned in most major cities nobody is looking out for ya. But i love bikes so i still ride here, mainly only at night, the roads clear out a bit and there is a smaller chance of getting stopped. If you have the chance to get out of town and ride it can be really nice, even though the liscensing rules are really strict and if you leave the area you are registered for a crooked boy in blue will be happy to pocket some of your money. Check out the site for pics of the bar.
Cheers
Rich Davis says
Where’s Billy motorcycle bar in Tianjin? I’m heading over there soon and want to visit and I don’t want to be “Harley Alone”. RD