Harley Davidson to buy MV Agusta.

[taxonomy]

In an effort to centralize brands that rely heavily on the words "Heritage" and "Legendary" Harley Davidson will acquire 100% of MV Augusta. The Count rolls in his grave.

Harley-Davidson to Acquire MV Agusta Group Expanding Presence in Europe - FOXBusiness.com

[KillBill]

[schleppy]

Is it a repost? I didn't think this was final until just now...

[spicy]

haven't they been trying to do this/rumors about it for the past year or so?

[taxonomy]

Harley-Davidson buys MV Agusta | Up to Speed | Los Angeles Times

The diffrence here is that the agreement has been announced. This is not a maybe thing. It's happening. Harley will pay $109 million for MV.

You will notice that in the second sentence they already use the word "legendary". "Heritage" can't be far behind. It will be interesting to see how HD leverages this. Clearly they are buying it for the brand.

[eboos]

There was a conference call at all HD dealerships today where a Q&A was addressed. Here's a link. Buell Motorcycle Forum: Archive through July 11, 2008

For now, the main focus is to increase HD's presence in Europe.

[spydah]

For now, the main focus is to increase HD's presence in Europe.

Its likely that all they have succeded in doing is forced europeans to turn their backs on MV and opened up the american market.

[a13x]

Whoa-oh Ducati...

[ff36buell]

hmmm.... deep deep pockets, incredible marketing machine... I'd say this could be a win-win situation for both parties involved

[agrabau]

Now Harley can use MV Agusta's technology and image to create overpriced and maintenance-intensive machines that somehow still remain desirable to the market.


oh wait.. they do that already.

[eboos]

How would you catagorize HD as maintenance-intensive? Do you mean the oil change at every 5000 miles without much else required? Wow, that is a real pain in the ass, you have to change the oil, then maybe a set of brake pads or a tire. Better stay away.