Harley-Davidson Suspends US Production Over Coronavirus Crisis
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“We recognize the unprecedented nature of this global crisis. In order to best support our employees and following the social distancing guidance issued by public health authorities, we are temporarily suspending the majority of production at our US manufacturing facilities,” said Jochen Zeitz, acting CEO and President, Harley-Davidson. “We will continue to monitor the situation and take necessary steps to prioritize employee health and safety.
Non-critical employees at Harley-Davidson’s headquarters and Production Development Centre in Milwaukee have also been asked to work remotely till the end of March. The company is also working with dealers to assess individual impacts and is encouraging dealers to follow the public health guidelines in their communities for the safety of its consumers.
Harley-Davidson has become the latest motorcycle manufacturer to shut down at least some production facilities. In Europe, KTM and Ducati have also extended shutdowns at the two motorcycle brands’ manufacturing facilities, over the coronavirus pandemic. For Harley-Davidson though, the decision to shut down production comes at an already difficult time. Harley-Davidson sales are down, more so, in the US domestic market, and in late February, Harley-Davidson announced the departure of the brand’s CEO, Matt Levatich, who spent more than two decades at Harley-Davidson.
Questions & Answers
Q.What prompted Harley-Davidson to suspend most of its US production?
What prompted Harley-Davidson to suspend most of its US production?
The company cited the unprecedented global crisis and social distancing guidance from public health authorities as reasons. This measure aims to best support employees and ensure their health and safety during the coronavirus pandemic.
Q.Where are employees being asked to work remotely, and for how long?
Where are employees being asked to work remotely, and for how long?
Non-critical employees at Harley-Davidson’s headquarters and the Production Development Centre in Milwaukee have been asked to work remotely. This arrangement is expected to continue until the end of March to comply with health guidelines.
Q.Which other motorcycle manufacturers have also halted production due to the pandemic?
Which other motorcycle manufacturers have also halted production due to the pandemic?
In Europe, KTM and Ducati have also extended shutdowns at their manufacturing facilities. Harley-Davidson is the latest to take such action, reflecting a broader trend in the motorcycle industry.
Q.What is the broader context of Harley-Davidson's decision to suspend production?
What is the broader context of Harley-Davidson's decision to suspend production?
The decision comes during an already difficult period for Harley-Davidson. The company has experienced declining sales, particularly in the US domestic market, and its CEO, Matt Levatich, departed in late February.
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