[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 75 (Thursday, June 11, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1112-E1113]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 THE KING OF THE ROAD FOR ALMOST A CENTURY: THE HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTOR 
         COMPANY CELEBRATES 95 YEARS OF UNPARALLELED EXCELLENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. WILLIAM F. GOODLING

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 11, 1998

  Mr. GOODLING. Mr. Speaker, Saturday, June 13 marks the 95th birthday 
of one of the most unique and remarkable manufacturing companies in the 
United States. Founded in 1903 in a small shed with borrowed tools and 
a grand vision, The Harley-Davidson Motor Company's enduring image has 
emerged as an America icon.
  As the only major American-based motorcycle manufacturer, the Harley-
Davidson Motor Company has endured significant triumphs and failures 
that epitomize the American experience. But through the ups and downs, 
Harley-Davidson has remained the hallmark of the world's motorcycle 
industry.
  From its early days when Harley-Davidson produced only three 
motorcycles, to today's production of more than 105,000 motorcycles, 
their innovative manufacturing and management philosophies have always 
driven the company. In its first twenty-five years of existence, the 
fledgling venture constantly reinvented the motorcycle by creating 
innovative improvement after innovative improvement--the Teardrop fuel 
tank, the twin-cam, and the front brake, to name a few. Many of these 
improvements are now fundamental designs of all motorcycles being 
manufactured today.
  By 1920, Harley-Davidson's leadership in the industry enabled it to 
become the largest motorcycle company in the world, with dealers in 67 
countries. Clearly, Harley-Davidson was King of the Road. But their 
premiere stature did not last long. Sales plummeted after the October 
1929 Stock Market crash, slowing their sales to only 3,700 motorcycles 
in 1933.
  Harley-Davidson bounced back just in time for their 50th Anniversary, 
in large part because of their continuing ability to improve 
motorcycles, and also because their quality products did not go 
unnoticed by the United States

[[Page E1113]]

Armed Forces. By the end of World War II, Harley-Davidson was back on 
track, having produced more than 90,000 motorcycles for military use.
  From the Knucklehead engine, to the Panhead, to the Shovelhead 
engine, their innovative engine designs succeeded in capturing a large 
portion of the market share, leading to their buy out by the American 
Machine and Foundry (AMF) Company in 1969. By 1974, with production 
soaring to more than 75,000 motorcycles, Harley-Davidson expanded their 
manufacturing and assembly facilities into York, PA.
  Unsatisfied with the direction of the company and its plummeting 
sales (dropping to 41,500 motorcycles in less than seven years under 
AMF), 13 senior Harley-Davidson executives purchased the company and 
reinvigorated the spirit originally instilled by the company's founding 
fathers. Unfortunately, the new stewards of the company encountered 
another roadblock.
  With the advent of the early 1980's, foreign manufacturers assaulted 
Harley-Davidson's share of the market by dumping their products into 
the United States. As a result, the Harley-Davidson Motor Company 
suffered an economic downturn and almost went bankrupt.
  Harley-Davidson's new owners fought back by developing new products 
and employing cutting-edge management techniques that refocused the 
company's efforts on product quality. As a result of these changes, and 
with the return of AMF's ``bomb line'' in the York plant--which 
temporarily helped the company with their cash flow problem--the 
Harley-Davidson Motor Company turned around and recaptured the top slot 
in the industry. Harley-Davidson has been running on all cylinders ever 
since--the company reached record production in 1995 with more than 
105,000 motorcycles.
  Today, Harley-Davidson continues to stay ahead of the competition by 
constantly looking into the future and using 21st Century management 
techniques. In early 1994, the company adopted the ``Plan 2003,'' a 
visionary blueprint which was designed to carry Harley-Davidson into 
the new millennium as the leader of the industry.
  One of the techniques included in this plan involves the 
``partnering'' between management and employees when making decisions 
that affect the direction of the company. This joint leadership used by 
Harley-Davidson has enabled the company to continue to effectively 
compete in the global marketplace by cooperatively meeting the economic 
challenges before them.
  The Harley-Davidson Motor Company should serve as a model for other 
companies, because Harley-Davidson recognizes that the best workplaces 
for employees, and the most productive workplaces for employers, are 
the ones where labor and management work together, hand in glove.
  Today, the Harley-Davidson Motor Company boasts one of the most 
recognized and respected brand names in the world. While they have 
fought long and hard to overcome obstacles that have confronted them in 
the past, I trust they will continue to successfully address the 
hurdles they face in the future. By relying on their heritage and 
focusing on their future, the Harley-Davidson Motor Company will 
continue to define the American experience.
  In recognition of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company's 95th 
Anniversary, I want to pay tribute not only for what Harley-Davidson 
has done for our nation's economy and culture, but also for the 
benefits it has bestowed upon our local community in York, PA. Please 
join me with the rest of the country in wishing a Happy Anniversary to 
the ``King of the Road.''

                          ____________________