Harley-Davidson Sales Up 2.7 Percent in 2014

MILWAUKEE – Worldwide sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles rose 2.7 percent in 2014, with international sales increasing 5.4 percent.

In its home market of the U.S., sales increased by only 1.3 percent, according to data released today.

A total of 267,999 motorcycles were sold around the globe, up from 260,839 in 2013.

Harley-Davidson saw its greatest sales growth in the Asia Pacific region where an 11.8 percent increase was recorded. Sales were up 6.4 percent in Europe, the Middle East and Africa; and up 2.1 percent in Latin America; while down 10.8 percent in Canada.

The company reported that 2014 diluted earnings per share increased 18.3 percent to $3.88. Net income was $844.6 million on consolidated revenue of $6.23 billion.

“Harley-Davidson achieved a great year of financial performance in 2014, with double-digit earnings growth, revenue topping $6 billion and continued strong improvement in margins,” said Keith Wandell, Harley-Davidson’s chairman, president and CEO.

“We also continued to broaden our customer base and expand the reach of our brand through unrivaled products and experiences. In international markets, our dealers in Asia Pacific, EMEA and Latin America posted their highest new motorcycle sales on record for each region, delivering on our expectation for international sales to grow at a faster rate than U.S. sales. And in the U.S., for the third straight year, sales to our outreach customers grew at more than twice the rate of sales to core customers.”

The company says it expects to ship 282,000 to 287,000 motorcycles to dealers worldwide in 2015.

– By Bud Wilkinson