Harley-Davidson and & Polaris Suspend shipments to Russia
In the mainstream news we have seen there is no shortage of companies withdrawing from business in Russia and with companies associated with Russia, as a response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
That growing economic and financial influence also comes from the motorcycle industry, as we can consider Harley-Davidson and Polaris have joined the list of brands that take a stand against Russian hostility.
From Minnesota, Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal is reporting that Polaris has stopped shipping its products to Russia.
Russia is not an important market for Polaris, with 85% of the company’s total sales taking place in North America, but Russia is a major target for snowmobiles manufactured by Polaris factories.
With that said, it’s unclear how many snowmobiles Polaris has left to ship to Russia at this point in the season, as it is expected that the US company has already shipped the majority of the units it will be sending to Russia in the next few months. this year. .
In Wisconsin, the Bar & Shield brand announced that it will stop shipping motorcycles to Russia – one of the high potential markets the company has listed in its 2020 business plan.
“Due to the crisis in Ukraine, Harley-Davidson has suspended its business in Russia and all shipments of its bicycles to the country,” the short press release said.
“Our thoughts continue for the safety of the Ukrainian people and those affected by the crisis.”
Again, it’s unclear how many units there are, which really means that Harley-Davidson will retain the Russian market, possibly a negligible amount, with both actions from Harley-Davidson and Polaris being protests are symbolic rather than materialistic.
However, like Open letter sent yesterday by MV Agusta CEO Timur SardarovThese actions show a growing resolution in business circles to disapprove and aid the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The actions of these companies, culminating in the actions of other brands, are exerting considerable economic influence on the Russian people to denounce the actions of their leaders.
Make no mistake, this is an unprecedented movement from the business world to take an active role in global political affairs, and the motorcycle industry is very different from it.
Source: Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal & Harley-Davidson