Popular Harley Motorcycle Models to Shift Production to Thailand

Legendary American motorcycle manufacturer Harley-Davidson dropped a “bombshell” recently when it announced that production of three of its popular models, the Pan America, Sportster S, and Nightster, will be relocated to Thailand starting in 2025, a news that instantly shocked its fans and employees.

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Harley-Davidson's decision was met with an outcry from its loyal American customers and employees at its U.S. plants. The three models, which have long been symbols of Harley-Davidson's rugged and unadulterated American image, will now be built in Thailand. Although the company has repeatedly emphasized that the switch is only temporary, and plans to invest an additional US$9 million (about 305 million baht) in its U.S. plant, its “Made in the USA” reputation will be more difficult to repair.

Communities in Wisconsin, where Harley-Davidson is headquartered, were shocked to hear the news. Many are concerned that the company's move to move production overseas is a departure from its roots. Anxiety was particularly high in Menomonee Falls, where workers at the local Harley-Davidson plant are worried and fear they will soon lose their jobs.

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers of America (IAMEA) has also expressed strong dissatisfaction, with its members feeling betrayed by the company. They have complained, “It's an insult to us that they move production overseas and then sell us the motorcycles later.”
In fact, this is not the first time Harley-Davidson has focused its attention on Thailand.

Back in 2019, the company had shifted the production of its motorcycles for the Chinese market to Thailand's Rayong province, with the aim of circumventing the high tariffs imposed by China on US-made cars. However, according to The Nation, this latest move has had a much more significant impact on its domestic market, and many are concerned that it may signal Harley-Davidson's departure from its American heritage for good.

In other news, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) said that motorcycle production in Thailand is expected to continue to decline in the second half of the year due to high household debt and a weakening economy. Surapong Paisitpatanapong, vice president of the Federation and spokesman for the Federation's Automobile Industry Club, also commented on the dire economic situation.