01-31-2018, 01:26 AM
(01-31-2018, 01:10 AM)Banned_imp Wrote: I know the owner of the local Harley shop, it has been open since 1968 (he took it over from his father) and like most older shops it is a multi-line dealer. Two years ago Harley HQ told him he had to build a stand alone building just for HD (this would mean he would need to maintain two buildings, staff, etc). He purchased the land next to him and cleared it last fall, construction was to start this spring.
As a fellow businessman and friend I told him I didn't think it was a good idea in this current sales climate, he agreed but HD gave him no choice - stand alone building or lose your dealership. Luckily just before Christmas Harley gave him the ok to suspend those plans, he didn't tell me the reason that they gave.
I think he dodged a huge bullet.
The same thing happened to our local Honda dealer several years ago who also sold several makes - Japanese and BMW.
Move the H-D operation to a separate building, install a wall to divide H-D from everything else, and with a separate entrance, or expand the building. Do it or lose the H-D franchise.
They had no choice and moved to another building.