How Much of a Harley Davidson Is Made in America

Did you know that approximately 70% to 80% of the parts used in Harley Davidson motorcycles sold in the United States are made in America? That's quite a substantial percentage, considering the influence of globalization on manufacturing.

However, the remaining parts are sourced from various countries around the world. So, just how much of a Harley Davidson is truly made in America?

As you delve into this discussion, you'll uncover the intricate web of Harley's international supply chain and understand the impact of global production on this iconic American brand.

Get ready to explore the fascinating world of Harley-Davidson's manufacturing legacy.

Key Takeaways

• Approximately 70% to 80% of parts used in Harley Davidson motorcycles sold in the US are made in America.
• Harley-Davidson motorcycles are assembled in the United States for American customers.
• The sourcing of parts from different countries fosters global cooperation and strengthens diplomatic ties.
• The globalized nature of supply chains challenges the definition of 'Made in America' products.

Harley-Davidson's American Manufacturing Legacy

Harley-Davidson's American manufacturing legacy is a testament to their continued commitment to assembling motorcycles in the United States, despite the sourcing of parts from various countries. While some may question the authenticity of the 'Made in America' branding, it's important to note that Harley-Davidson motorcycles sold in the United States are still predominantly made in America. The American motorcycle brand has three factories remaining in the United States, located in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, where the motorcycles are assembled for American customers.

Although parts for Harley-Davidson motorcycles may be sourced from foreign countries, it's the final assembly of the motorcycles that takes place in the United States. This ensures that the motorcycles are classified as 'Made in America' for the US market. Approximately 70% to 80% of the parts used in Harley-Davidson motorcycles sold in the United States are made in America, with the percentage varying depending on the specific model and production location.

It is worth mentioning that Harley-Davidson does outsource some contracts for certain parts to overseas partners. However, the majority of the parts are still manufactured in the USA. The sourcing of parts can vary for each Harley model and production location, but the overall commitment to American manufacturing remains strong.

Harley-Davidson's American manufacturing legacy is deeply rooted in their dedication to providing motorcycles assembled in the United States for their customers. Despite the sourcing of parts from various countries, the engines roar with American power, and the motorcycles proudly bear the 'Made in America' label.

The Influence of Globalization on Harley Parts

With the global reach of Harley-Davidson's manufacturing operations, the influence of globalization on the sourcing of parts for their motorcycles becomes a significant factor to consider. While Harley-Davidson motorcycles sold in the U.S. are assembled in the country, the parts used in their production come from various international locations. The company outsources contracts to overseas partners in countries such as Taiwan, Italy, Germany, China, Mexico, and Japan. This strategy allows Harley-Davidson to take advantage of lower manufacturing costs and tap into the expertise of global suppliers.

Since 2011, the use of foreign parts in Harley-Davidson motorcycles has significantly increased. This trend can be attributed to various factors, including the availability of cheaper materials and the company's strategic decisions. While engines for Harley-Davidson motorcycles sold in the U.S. are manufactured domestically, it's important to note that some parts used in the engine manufacturing process may be sourced from outside the United States.

However, despite the use of foreign parts, motorcycles bought by American consumers are still considered American-made. This is because the majority of the parts used, around 70% to 80%, are made in America. Additionally, all profits made by Harley-Davidson flow back to the U.S., contributing to the American economy.

The sourcing of parts from different countries also highlights the international relations aspect of Harley-Davidson's production. The company's engagement with suppliers worldwide fosters global cooperation and strengthens diplomatic ties between the United States and other nations.

The Role of Foreign Components in Harley Motorcycles

The use of foreign components in Harley motorcycles has become an increasingly significant aspect of the company's manufacturing process. While Harley-Davidson motorcycles sold in the United States are assembled in the US, the company sources parts from various countries, including Italy, Germany, China, Mexico, and Japan. This reliance on foreign parts can be attributed to cost and quality reasons, as well as the need to compete in global markets. Key components such as the front fork, rear shocks, and brake calipers are sourced from Japan and Italy, while miscellaneous parts come from China and wire harnesses are made in Mexico.

It is worth noting that despite the sourcing of components from different countries, Harley-Davidson motorcycles assembled in the US continue to be considered American-made and support American jobs. This is in line with the company's commitment to American manufacturing and its status as an iconic American motorcycle brand.

While the use of foreign parts may raise questions about the authenticity of American auto manufacturers, it's important to recognize that globalization and the integration of international supply chains have become a common practice in the automotive industry as a whole.

Exploring Harley-Davidson's International Supply Chain

Exploring the global supply chain of Harley-Davidson reveals the diverse origins of its parts and manufacturing locations. The American motorcycle brand has factories in the United States, mainly in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, where Harley Davidsons for American customers are assembled. However, parts for these motorcycles come from various countries around the world. To better understand the international supply chain of Harley-Davidson, let's take a look at the following table:

Manufacturing Locations	Parts Manufactured
Taiwan	Engine components
Japan	Electrical components
Italy	Exhaust systems
Germany	Suspension systems
Mexico	Frames and body parts

Additionally, a plant in Thailand was established to meet the demand for Harley Davidsons in Europe. This plant focuses on assembly rather than manufacturing parts, and the parts are sourced from various locations. While the number of American-made parts in Harley Davidson motorcycles may vary, the final assembly is done in the United States, supporting American jobs.

The international supply chain of Harley-Davidson raises questions about its 'Made in America' branding. The closure of the Kansas City plant and the establishment of the Thailand plant have impacted the perception of American manufacturing. As Professor Frank DuBois, a University business professor, pointed out, the globalized nature of supply chains makes it challenging to define what truly constitutes a 'Made in America' product. This is especially relevant in the context of retaliatory tariffs and the increasing importance of domestic content scores.

Understanding the Impact of Global Production on Harley-Davidson

Global production has had a significant impact on Harley-Davidson, influencing its supply chain and the composition of its motorcycles. Here are three key points to consider:

• Parts from various countries: Harley-Davidson motorcycles sold in the United States are assembled in the country, but parts are sourced from different countries such as Taiwan, Japan, Italy, Germany, and Mexico. This allows the company to take advantage of lower manufacturing costs and ensure quality considerations.
• Domestic content score: Despite sourcing parts globally, around 70% to 80% of the parts used in Harley-Davidson motorcycles sold in the US are made in America. This domestic content score reflects the company's commitment to supporting American manufacturing and creating jobs within the country.
• Global production expansion: Harley-Davidson has expanded its production into Asia, with a plant in Thailand focusing on assembly to meet the demand in Europe. This highlights the company's efforts to compete on a global scale and cater to international markets.

Understanding the impact of global production on Harley-Davidson provides insights into the company's supply chain and the composition of its motorcycles. While it sources parts internationally, Harley-Davidson remains committed to supporting American manufacturing and ensuring a significant portion of its motorcycles are made in the USA.

Conclusion

So, there you have it. Now you know that while Harley Davidson motorcycles do contain parts sourced from various countries, the majority of the parts used in the bikes sold in the United States are made in America.

Despite the influence of globalization and the use of foreign components, Harley Davidson has managed to maintain its American manufacturing legacy. It's a true testament to the company's ability to navigate the complexities of a global supply chain while still proudly bearing the label of 'Made in America'.