Harley-Davidson at Le Salon de La Moto de Montréal 2018
As Harley-Davidson rides into its second century of existence, it remains the iconic brand of brands, bridging motorcycling and lifestyle. But as globalization challenges iconic brands while opening new markets, it also presents a daunting task for The Motor Company. Balancing tradition and change is as important as putting wheels on the road.
Ignacio de Isusi, Managing Director for Harley-Davidson Canada, is an example of a global, multilingual, multicultural executive who has traveled roads far and near. With previous experience with the company’s operations in the U.K., the European Union and Latin America, Isusi now steers the Canadian operation knowing diversity is a key factor in successful marketing.
“For us, an event like the Salon is a special moment to connect with the audience,” Isusi said, “and to show them how Harley-Davidson is evolving.” Isusi, casually attired in check shirt and jeans, was excited.
Under the banner “The Great American Freedom Machine”, Harley-Davidson’s presentation has a fashionably ’70s-retro feel to it. The panoramic video onstage evokes movie and TV icons such as Easy Rider and Then Came Bronson, but with a visible hipster tone. While the display features perennial flagships such as the Road Glide and Fat Boy, Harley-Davidson’s new smaller displacement models—the Street 500 and 750, Iron 1200 and Forty-Eight Special—get a highlighted presence next to the podium.
“All successful brands have a vision and know what they stand for,” Isusi explains. “Harley-Davidson stands for motorcycling as personal freedom. The unique Harley-Davidson experience appeals to people of all walks of life across the globe seeking that personal freedom and exploration.”
How does the established Harley-Davidson image, which has skewed towards aging baby boomers, fit in with the newer demographic of 24-35 consumers? “We believe we can retain our core customers while broadening our appeal for this new rider segment. Motorcycling occupies a different priority in their leisure space,” Isusi pointed out.
What does tomorrow look like for Harley-Davidson, especially with the buzz generated by The Motor Company’s venture into non-combustion engines with its Livewire project, and the recently announced collaboration with electric motorcycle manufacturer Alta? “Our philosophy has always been to work with best-of-breed partners,” Isusi said, “and we believe we have a competitive advantage as the first major manufacturer to fully engage in electric motorcycles. We see this as a parallel development while we continue progressing our traditional power plants. This is an ‘evolution, not revolution’ approach.”
“We want to make our bikes accessible,” Isusi continued. “You’ll notice none of our products are sitting on a podium. People should be able to touch and feel what Harley-Davidson is about. Nostalgia will always be an attraction factor given our brand history, but we also think our uniqueness and authenticity will remain relevant for the future.”
Photography by Georges Dutil