You might be curious about the extent to which Harley Davidson motorcycles are made in the USA. Well, let's just say that a significant portion of the parts used in these iconic bikes are proudly manufactured within American borders.
However, there's more to the story than meets the eye. While Harley-Davidson strives to keep the production as American as possible, there are certain components that find their way from overseas.
In the following discussion, we will explore the manufacturing locations, breakdown of USA-made parts, the impact of outsourcing, and even future trends that might shape Harley-Davidson's production in the USA.
Stay tuned to uncover the fascinating details behind this renowned American brand.
Key Takeaways
- Harley-Davidson motorcycles are assembled in Wisconsin, Missouri, and Pennsylvania.
- American-made parts account for 70% to 80% of the overall components used in these motorcycles.
- Some components are also produced in Tomahawk.
- The use of foreign parts in Harley-Davidson motorcycles has significantly increased since 2011.
Manufacturing Locations of Harley-Davidson in the USA
Harley-Davidson motorcycles sold in the United States are assembled in plants located in Wisconsin, Missouri, and Pennsylvania. These manufacturing locations play a crucial role in the production of Harley motorcycles, ensuring that they're built to the highest standards. The American-made parts used in these motorcycles account for around 70% to 80% of the overall components. This commitment to using American parts reflects Harley-Davidson's dedication to supporting local businesses and boosting the economy.
The engines for Harley-Davidson motorcycles sold in the United States are manufactured in Wisconsin, specifically in Milwaukee. This not only ensures the quality of the engines but also highlights the brand's emphasis on preserving its American heritage. By keeping the engine production within the country, Harley-Davidson showcases its commitment to maintaining its status as an iconic American motorcycle company.
While most of the bikes are assembled in Kansas City and York, with engines made in Milwaukee, some components are also produced in Tomahawk. This distribution of production locations allows for efficient manufacturing and ensures that each Harley-Davidson motorcycle is built with precision and attention to detail.
Harley-Davidson does outsource some contracts to overseas partners for certain parts. Countries involved in the manufacturing process include Taiwan, Italy, Germany, China, Mexico, and Japan. This global collaboration allows Harley-Davidson to leverage the expertise of international companies while maintaining its Made in the USA identity.
Breakdown of Harley-Davidson's USA-Made Parts
The breakdown of Harley-Davidson's USA-made parts reveals the extent of their commitment to using American components in their motorcycles. Approximately 70% to 80% of the parts used in Harley-Davidson motorcycles sold in the United States are made in America. This demonstrates the company's dedication to supporting American manufacturing and promoting domestic content in their production.
However, Harley-Davidson does outsource some contracts to overseas partners for certain parts. Countries involved in the manufacturing include Taiwan, Italy, Germany, China, Mexico, and Japan. This decision to use foreign parts has significantly increased since 2011, influenced by lower manufacturing costs and company decisions. It's important to note that some parts required for manufacturing Harley-Davidson motorcycles aren't available or manufactured in the USA. In such cases, the company sources them from overseas for reasons of affordability and quality.
However, engines for Harley-Davidson motorcycles sold in the United States are manufactured domestically, primarily in the company's Wisconsin factory, with some parts sourced from outside the United States. This reflects the company's efforts to maintain a balance between global supply and supporting American auto manufacturers.
Ultimately, the breakdown of Harley-Davidson's USA-made parts showcases their ongoing commitment to American manufacturing while also recognizing the need for a global supply chain to meet consumer demands.
The Impact of Outsourcing on Harley-Davidson's American Production
With an increasing reliance on outsourcing for certain parts, Harley-Davidson's commitment to American production is facing the challenge of maintaining a balance between global supply and supporting domestic manufacturing. This has led to several impacts on the company's American production:
- The use of foreign parts in Harley-Davidson motorcycles has significantly increased since 2011. Lower manufacturing costs and company decisions have contributed to this trend. As a result, around 70% to 80% of the parts used in Harley-Davidson motorcycles sold in the United States are made in America.
- Harley-Davidson outsources some contracts to overseas partners for certain parts. Countries involved in the manufacturing of Harley parts include Taiwan, Italy, Germany, China, Mexico, and Japan. This global production expansion allows the company to take advantage of lower costs and ensure the availability of parts that aren't manufactured in the USA.
- Professor Frank DuBois, a business professor, thoroughly explains what makes a product 'Made in America.' According to him, a product can still be considered American-made if the majority of its value is created domestically, even if certain components are sourced from overseas.
- The American Free Trade Act, requiring automakers to reveal the percentage of domestic and foreign content in their vehicles, has also influenced Harley taking the production of some parts outside the American borders.
- Despite these outsourcing practices, Harley-Davidson remains an iconic American motorcycle brand, with a strong emphasis on maintaining domestic manufacturing and supporting American jobs.
Comparing Harley-Davidson's American-Made Versus Foreign-Made Motorcycles
Comparing American-made and foreign-made motorcycles reveals the extent to which Harley-Davidson balances domestic production with global sourcing. Around 70% to 80% of the parts used in Harley-Davidson motorcycles sold in the United States are made in America, demonstrating a commitment to American manufacturing. However, the company also outsources certain contracts to overseas partners for certain parts, with countries involved in manufacturing including Taiwan, Italy, Germany, China, Mexico, and Japan. This use of foreign parts has significantly increased since 2011, driven by lower manufacturing costs and strategic decisions made by the company.
It is important to note that while some parts of Harley-Davidson motorcycles may be sourced from outside the United States, the engines for motorcycles sold in the United States are primarily manufactured in the country, particularly in Wisconsin. However, it's possible that some parts used in the engine manufacturing process may come from foreign suppliers.
The perception of Harley-Davidson's use of foreign parts varies among consumers. Some criticize the brand for using foreign parts while charging high prices for their motorcycles. However, others argue that Harley-Davidson still employs a significant number of workers in the United States compared to its foreign competitors.
Balancing global supply chains with American manufacturing is a challenge that many companies face in today's interconnected world. With the emergence of new trade policies, such as retaliatory tariffs imposed by the European Union, companies like Harley-Davidson must carefully navigate global sourcing to remain competitive and meet consumer demands.
Future Trends in Harley-Davidson's USA Manufacturing
As Harley-Davidson continues to navigate the challenges of global sourcing and changing trade policies, the future trends in its USA manufacturing are worth examining. Here are some key points to consider:
- EU Retaliatory Tariffs: The European Union's retaliatory tariffs on American motorcycles have forced Harley-Davidson to rethink its manufacturing strategy. The company plans to shift some production to other countries to avoid these counter-sanctions, while still ensuring that Harleys bought by Americans are considered American-made.
- Push Back Against Foreign Competition: The Trump administration's focus on American manufacturing and the 'Made in America' campaign has put pressure on Harley-Davidson to use more American parts. However, the company faces a fine line between keeping costs down and satisfying the demand for true American-made motorcycles.
- Rising Prices: As the sourcing of parts becomes more complex and the cost of manufacturing increases, there's a risk of prices rising for Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Balancing the use of American parts with the need for affordability is a challenge that the company must address.
- Global Supply Chain: Harley-Davidson relies on a global supply chain to source various components for its motorcycles. Brakes, suspension, and electronics are just a few examples of parts that may come from countries like Italy, Japan, Mexico, and China.
- Public Perception: The 'Made in America' label holds significant value for many Americans. Harley-Davidson must carefully navigate public perception while trying to keep its manufacturing operations viable and competitive in a global market.
Conclusion
You've discovered that Harley-Davidson motorcycles sold in the United States are predominantly made with American parts, but some components are sourced from other countries. Despite this, these bikes are still considered American-made.
This blending of domestic and international parts allows Harley-Davidson to balance cost and quality. By embracing this global approach, Harley-Davidson continues to roar down the road of success, embodying the spirit of American craftsmanship while embracing the world's offerings.
