Interesting article in The Age (courtesy of Washington Post) comparing Harley Davidson's growth to state of the US economy:

http://www.theage.com.au/money/motorcycle-diary-reflects-us-reality-20130202-2drby.html

In a nutshell:

- almost quarter of a million Harleys produced in 2012, up 6.2% on 2011

- trying to tap into new market segments, moving from the current predominantly middle-aged (ageing) white male customer base to women, youngsters, Hispanics, African Americans etc in the US

- tapping into the growth markets like India, China, Brazil, other parts of Asia & Latin America etc.

- Average production of 41 motorcycles per worker in 2012, up from 33 ten years ago (yes, the clarion call of capitalism - more output from less workers!)

Overall, the company seems to be doing well, though a long way to recover to the 2006 production level of 349,000 bikes.

I suppose in today's global economy companies have to change & adapt if they are to survive. Obviously Harley Davidson are doing that with their target markets. China has the fastest growing economy in the world & producing more millionaires & billionaires than any other country. Harley Davidson are no doubt trying to boost their sales in Asia & India as these are relatively new markets for their motorbikes. When I've travelled around Europe in the past few years I hardly saw a Harley Davison motorbike. I saw plenty of BMW touring bikes. I did see a Harley Davidson in Italy & it was being ridden by an Aussie guy & his wife on a touring holiday. Maybe Harley's are not as popular in Europe?? I don't know. That's my 2 cents worth :-)