Writing Homework Help

Article: https://www.wsj.com/articles/harleys-new-ceo-bets-…

Harley-Davidson is going back to the basics of making big, expensive motorcycles for its most devoted customers, abandoning a decade-long quest to reach new types of riders. Harley-Davidson is eliminating about 30% of the models in its lineup, scaling back overseas expansions, shrinking Harley supplies in the US, and delaying or abandoning new models that were intended to appeal to younger riders.

Summarize your understanding of the article and discuss ways this article reflects concepts we are discussing and reading.

Include in your response:

• How would you classify Harley’s traditional male-centered approach to strategy? What specific market, beyond just males generally, did Harley target? How did Harley appeal to this target group?
• Was it reasonable for Harley to try to market its products to a broader range of customers? How did Harley try to do this? In retrospect, what were the disadvantages of trying to engage in this type of business development? Why is Harley now retrenching?
• Is Harley now returning 100% to its classic strategy? If not, how will the refocused strategy still differ from the classic Harley strategy?
• Altogether, was Harley misguided in trying to expand into new markets with smaller motorcycles? Or was this indeed an idea worth trying?