Harley-Davidson Museum opens doors for People’s Republic of China
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JIM ZIEMER HOSTS INFLUENTIAL CHINESE DIPLOMATS FOR DISCUSSION, HARLEY-DAVIDSON MUSEUM® VISIT
On Feb. 9, two top-ranking Chinese diplomats—Zhou Wenzhong, the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the U.S., and Huang Ping, Consul General of the People's Republic of China —scheduled time during their brief visit to Milwaukee to speak with Company leaders and explore the Harley-Davidson Museum®. They were accompanied by their wives and other members of the Washington D.C. embassy and Chicago consulate diplomatic staff.
China is the largest motorcycle market in the world. Approximately 20 million motorcycles were sold in China in 2008. And, as Harley-Davidson looks to grow worldwide retail sales, selling motorcycles in China represents a significant long-term opportunity for the Company.
"Currently, motorcycle use in China is strictly for basic transportation or utilitarian purposes. Leisure riding is not yet a part of the culture," said Tim Hoelter, Vice President, Government Affairs. "If you compare Harley-Davidson motorcycle riding to the motorcycle riding in China, the only similarity between the two experiences will be that both occur on two wheels. Therefore, we must educate Chinese leaders about the benefits and possibilities of leisure riding in their country."
Because millions of small, underpowered motorcycles are used in China for everyday commuting, highly restrictive regulations govern their use in densely populated areas. For example, 70 major cities are entirely closed to motorcycle traffic.
Harley-Davidson leaders seek to influence Chinese authorities to reduce the restrictions to heavyweight motorcycles because they are used in an entirely different way. Last week's visit was part of an ongoing effort by Company leaders to make Harley-Davidson® motorcycles more accessible to customers in China. Past diplomatic efforts have eased some restrictions and paved the way to open authorized dealerships in Mainland China; dealerships are currently open in Beijing, Shanghai and Qingdao.
By hosting this discussion at the Museum, Company leaders allowed these influential Chinese visitors to explore the spirit of adventure, community and personal expression that are at the core of Harley-Davidson leisure riding.
"Efforts such as last week's visit move the Company forward in helping Chinese leaders understand leisure riding culture," said Rod Copes, Vice President and Managing Director, Asia-Pacific. "We are developing the relationships necessary to influence Chinese leaders to reduce these restrictions and support growing sales in a region with such significant sales opportunities."
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