Two American Legends: Ford and Harley-Davidson
7 January 2000
Two American Legends: Ford and Harley-Davidson LOS ANGELES, Jan. 6 -- Two legends of the American road, Ford
Motor Company and Harley-Davidson Motor Company, are preparing to
celebrate their centennials in 2003, and each company is proud of its rich
heritage and contributions to American motoring.
Both enjoy leadership positions in pickup trucks and heavyweight
motorcycles, respectively, strengthened by customers who are fiercely loyal to
their products. In March 1999, Ford and Harley forged a powerful strategic
alliance to celebrate their corporate heritage and their common centennials.
"A strategic alliance between the Ford Motor Company and Harley-Davidson
makes mutual historical and business sense," noted Gurminder Bedi, vice
president, Ford North America Truck. "Our common heritage as American motor
vehicle manufacturers and our common centennials of 2003 were just too good to
pass up as a natural business opportunity.
"The partnership makes good business sense," Bedi added. "The world
recognizes both companies as original American innovators known for exciting,
quality products."
The strategic alliance between Ford and Harley-Davidson was announced last
year during the famed Daytona Beach "Bike Week" festivities. At that time,
the two companies also announced that, with Ford's experience in racing, Ford
would provide technical support and sponsorship of the Harley-Davidson AMA
Superbike racing program.
"There is a natural synergy and benefit to our loyal customer base," said
Jeff Bleustein, Harley-Davidson chairman and chief executive officer. "We
each bring value to this strategic alliance."
In August 1999, the two companies used the scenic backdrop of the Sturgis
Rally & Races in Sturgis, S.D., to introduce the first product of their
historic partnership -- Ford's limited edition 2000 Harley-Davidson F-150
pickup truck.
"This truck combines the quality and durability of the F-150 and the F-
Series line, the top-selling pickup trucks in the United States for the last
22 years, with the popularity and appeal of the Harley-Davidson brand name,"
Bedi said. "We believe this truck will appeal to Harley-Davidson enthusiasts
and truck owners alike."
"Harley-Davidson and Ford are leaders in our respective industries,"
Bleustein added. "The power of Harley and Ford alone is very strong. The
power of our two brands together creates a number of exciting opportunities
for us and for our customers."
DETROIT AND MILWAUKEE: PUTTING THE WORLD ON WHEELS
The legends of two great American companies were born at the same time at
the turn of the century with the hard work and dedication of their visionary
namesakes. From humble beginnings in a small garage in Detroit, Ford Motor
Company was incorporated in 1903 and sold its first Model A.
In 1913, Ford developed the world's first moving assembly line in Highland
Park, Mich., realizing Henry Ford's dream of affordable personal
transportation. Mass production meant higher volume and lower prices. A 1913
Ford Model T Roadster cost $525, compared with $850 for the 1903 Model A.
Also in 1903, across Lake Michigan, the founding namesakes of Harley-
Davidson toiled away in a 10- by 15-foot shed in Milwaukee, Wis., in the
family back yard of William, Walter and Arthur Davidson. Joined by William S.
Harley, with hard work, ingenuity and the goal of "taking the work out of
bicycling," the four men crafted their first motorcycle.
Through the subsequent decades came two world wars, a crippling economic
depression, a tide of foreign competition, government regulations and the
ever-changing tastes of consumers. But through it all, each company survived
and thrived, today standing as two of the most respected and recognizable
companies in the world.
Ford Motor Company & Harley-Davidson: Nearly 200 Years
Of Combined Motoring Excellence
Historical Highlights
1903 Ford Motor Company incorporated. 1,708 Model A's sold.
First Harley-Davidson motorcycle built by brothers William D.,
Walter and Arthur Davidson and William S. Harley. Total
production -- three motorcycles.
1904 Ford sets world record for timed mile -- 91.37 mph.
Harley sells first motorcycle.
1907 Harley-Davidson incorporated. 150 motorcycles produced.
Ford introduces its famous slogan, "Watch the Fords Go By."
1908 Ford introduces Model T. It sold for $850.
Harley triples production -- 450 motorcycles.
1909 Harley introduces its famous V-Twin engine.
Ford Model T wins New York-to-Seattle race.
1913 Ford develops the first moving auto assembly line
in Highland Park, Mich.
Harley forms its first factory racing team.
1917 World War I -- Ford and Harley-Davidson contribute vehicles to
the war effort.
1932 Ford introduces first mass production V-8 engine, the
"Flathead."
1936 Harley-Davidson introduces overhead valve Knucklehead engine.
1941 World War II -- Once again, both companies contribute to the
war effort.
90,000 Harley-Davidson motorcycles are used in WW II. Ford
builds B-24 bombers and tanks.
1948 Ford F-1 pickup introduced.
Harley-Davidson introduces Panhead engine.
1953 Harley-Davidson and Ford celebrate 50th anniversaries.
1956 Ford goes public with first stock sale.
1964 Ford Mustang creates "pony car" sensation.
1965 Harley-Davidson goes public with first stock sale, ending 62
years ycle introduced.
1967 Ford of Europe established.
1973 Middle East oil embargo hits America's gas pumps.
1983 U.S. government imposes heavyweight motorcycle tariff to
protect Harley-Davidson from foreign competition.
1984 Harley-Davidson introduces Evolution engine.
1986 Ford Taurus introduced.
1987 A revitalized Harley-Davidson petitions U.S. government to
remove tariffs one year earlier than scheduled.
1996 Ford celebrates production of 250 million vehicles.
1998 50th anniversary of F-Series pickup.
1999 Historic strategic alliance announced between Ford and
Harley-Davidson.
Harley-Davidson enjoys more than 54 percent of the domestic
heavyweight motorcycle market.
Limited edition Harley-Davidson F-150 introduced in
Sturgis, S.D.
