Harley invests in Alta Motors NGC

[rdbandkab]

https://exhaust.racerxonline.com/2018/03/01/harley-davidson-invests-in-alta-motors

Earlier this year, amid slumping sales, Harley-Davidson announced it was bringing an electric model to market within 18 months. The announcement came four years after Harley unveiled its LiveWire project, an all-electric prototype.

Well, huge news dropped today as H-D announced that it has made an equity investment in California-based electric motorcycling manufacture Alta Motors.

"Earlier this year, as part of our 10-year strategy, we reiterated our commitment to build the next generation of Harley-Davidson riders, in part, by aggressively investing in electric vehicle (EV) technology," Harley-Davidson president and CEO Matt Levatich said. "Alta has demonstrated innovation and expertise in EV and their objectives align closely with ours. We each have strengths and capabilities that will be mutually beneficial as we work together to develop cutting-edge electric motorcycles."

It�s been a busy few months for Alta, as they announced the launch of a new model�the Redshift MXR�and a significant price reduction across all models.

For Harley, which is set to release an electric model in 2019, the move makes sense, as they�ll have access to cutting-edge electric vehicle (EV) technology, and a partner to help them navigate the coming shift to electric. For Alta, they will get access to a worldwide dealer network and a lot more.

"Riders are just beginning to understand the combined benefits of EV today, and our technology continues to progress," Alta Motors chief product officer and co-founder Marc Fenigstein said. "We believe electric motorcycles are the future, and that American companies have an opportunity to lead that future. It's incredibly exciting that Harley-Davidson, synonymous with motorcycle leadership, shares that vision and we're thrilled to collaborate with them."

This is huge news for the two American brands. It will be interesting to see what they develop.

[GearheadGrrrl]

Basically an attempt to pump up the stock price by looking like they're doing something 21st century. Most of the legacy auto makers have been doing this strategy lately- They've noticed how overpriced Tesla's stock is despite Tesla's marginal ability to actually build cars. So they hold a big PR event to pimp their upcoming electric car, which appears months or years later and promptly dies on the market. Textbook example: GM's Chevy Bolt which has been out of production for nearly a year due to slow sales, yet can still be found for sale at steep discounts.

[JJ]

Not electric, but still waiting for this Elio Motors (PHX) $7500-3-wheel little car to appear on the streets....   Photos from Barrett-Jackson in 2014







My rule of thumb....When I see one on the streets, I will believe it!

[rdbandkab]

Interesting concept:  A quiet Harley.

[Aaron D.]

Obviously will have an awesome stereo.
The only thing it will play will be riffs on The Potato Hymn.

[scura283]

A little fact check on the Bolt.
https://insideevs.com/chevrolet-bolt-u-s-sales-rise-february-volt-sales-sinking
/

Basically an attempt to pump up the stock price by looking like they're doing something 21st century. Most of the legacy auto makers have been doing this strategy lately- They've noticed how overpriced Tesla's stock is despite Tesla's marginal ability to actually build cars. So they hold a big PR event to pimp their upcoming electric car, which appears months or years later and promptly dies on the market. Textbook example: GM's Chevy Bolt which has been out of production for nearly a year due to slow sales, yet can still be found for sale at steep discounts.

[GearheadGrrrl]

1424 deliveries a month is doing good? Maybe for Guzzi, but an auto factory needs a volume of around 200,000 cars a year to break even making low and medium priced cars. Unless it turned massive per unit profits, any other GM vehicle selling at such low volume would get axed.

[cloudbase]

HD's history with acquisitions isn't exactly a great example of business acumen.

[keener]

Basically an attempt to pump up the stock price by looking like they're doing something 21st century. Most of the legacy auto makers have been doing this strategy lately- They've noticed how overpriced Tesla's stock is despite Tesla's marginal ability to actually build cars. So they hold a big PR event to pimp their upcoming electric car, which appears months or years later and promptly dies on the market. Textbook example: GM's Chevy Bolt which has been out of production for nearly a year due to slow sales, yet can still be found for sale at steep discounts.

   right on the money ...... and IMO i hope all this electric BS cars, bikes, dies a slow hard death....yes i am a Luddite and proud of it   

[Gliderjohn]

I imagine when gas hits four to six dollars a gallon these new fanged electric cars and bikes will start looking a whole lot more attractive. The technology is still progressing at a pretty good pace.
GliderJohn

[keener]

I imagine when gas hits four to six dollars a gallon these new fanged electric cars and bikes will start looking a whole lot more attractive. The technology is still progressing at a pretty good pace.
GliderJohn

I imagine when they finally have to admit to how much damage is caused to the earth producing lithium and deposing of the batteries to power these new fangeled electric vehicles and the real reason that gas may go to perhaps six dollars a gallon... then hopefully the shit will hit the fan ..we shall see i guess
Keener