Dealer survey shows Harley-Davidson U.S. retail sales down
Harley-Davidson’s U.S. retail sales are down 7-9 percent compared to a year ago, according to a national dealer survey.
The survey by Wachovia Capital Markets of 40 Harley dealerships showed sales weakest in the West, which is down 11-13 percent compared to a year ago. Wachovia said the survey skewed toward the brand’s largest dealerships in major metropolitan areas.
The East is down 9-11 percent while the South (down 3-5 percent) and the Midwest (down 5-7 percent) are faring slightly better.
The survey found the Sportster is the brand’s best-selling family with new models Rocker/Rocker C and Cross Bones faring well in the market.
Not surprisingly, inventory is more of a concern to dealers this year. Fifty percent of dealers characterized their inventory as “light” or “comfortable” compared to 84 percent a year ago.
