Harley-Davidson will transition to a model of direct distribution to independently owned dealers in Canada by July 31, 2017, when the company’s current agreement ends with Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada, the exclusive distributor of Harley-Davidson products in Canada since 1973. The two companies are also in discussions about a possible agreement to move up the transition in Canadian operations to as early as the third quarter of 2015.
As part of its global growth strategy, Harley-Davidson has largely migrated to a globally consistent model of direct distribution to independently owned dealers and, in recent years, has established direct distribution and operations in a number of its major markets including Brazil, Australia, Italy and the Scandinavian countries. Under direct distribution, the company manages sales to dealers, marketing, dealer recruitment and retail capabilities, consumer events and other aspects of its in-market activities, often through wholly-owned subsidiaries. Canada remains among the only markets operating through a third-party distributor arrangement.
“The contributions of the Deeley organization to Harley-Davidson’s customers and the business in Canada have been tremendous, and we have the highest regard for the entire Deeley team,” said Harley-Davidson North America Vice President and Managing Director Mike Kennedy. “Deeley has achieved a level of success that has made Canada one of the largest international Harley-Davidson markets over time. We have made this decision to transition to direct distribution in Canada after long and careful consideration, and solely growing out of our global business strategy. We will work closely with the Deeley organization as we finalize a roadmap for the future and look forward to leveraging the many opportunities to fulfill dreams of personal freedom for customers.”
“We have a long and proud relationship with Harley-Davidson, marked by Deeley’s commitment to excellence – to our associates, customers and retailers – and that will continue to be our priority throughout the transition,” said Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada President and Chief Operating Officer Malcolm Hunter. “It has been a true honor to be part of this business we have all built together. We have accomplished so much and are proud of Deeley’s legacy and our enduring contribution to motorcycling in Canada. The entire Deeley organization will work closely with Harley-Davidson to ensure a seamless transition and ensure that Canadian customers continue to enjoy an outstanding Harley-Davidson product, service and support experience. ”
Don James, co-founder and majority owner of Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada, currently serves as a director on the Harley-Davidson, Inc. board. In Canada and globally, Harley-Davidson motorcycles and related products are retailed through a network of more than 1,460 independently owned dealerships. Please visit Harley-Canada for further information on Harley-Davidson® products in Canada.
Cut out the middle man means more profits for the MoCo and the owners, I.e. Stockholders
Wonder how distribution and training are going to work out?
The Deeley family have long been serious motorcyclists in addition to being astute business people…
“…look forward to leveraging the many opportunities to fulfill dreams of personal freedom for customers.”
What a load of marketing bs.lol It’s good to see them cut out the middle man, I’ve never been a fan of Deeley, though I doubt that will result in any savings being passed on the the customer.
A few new business oppurtunities in Canada…nothing 3-4 million wont fix…..
Well it’s about time. For many years most of us in border towns (Niagara Falls, Ontario) have had to run across to the U.S.A. to get a fair shake on prices for parts and used bikes. Deeley has been screwing us on prices and currency exchange forever. Dealers on the other side are not allowed to sell us new bikes. I wonder why (Not). Good riddance I say. In Tampa, Fl. for the winter.
Prices will stay high, nothing ever goes down in price up here. Crude oil goes down ,gas goes up, this whole country is a rip off. HD better get a grip, their brand is gonna die here.
adios,,,,
Deeley will trasition to snowmobiles, that way they can sell product nine months a year and gain a lager market. Also develop snow tires and rear wheel chains for HD. Always look at the bright side. ..Z
Our friends & brothers (& sisters) from Canada
almost to a person whenever I’ve had a chance to talk to them,
complain & do not like Deeley H-D
Not I’m glad for their sake to see the middle man being eliminated
but is that going to make your new H-D’s any cheaper
or comparable to what you’d pay in the USA?
Doubt it !!!!
Wow, but not surprizing.