zx12argh
28-05-2007, 09:41 PM
HARLEY DAVIDSON FACES STIFF COMPETITION FROM JOHNSON MARINE WHO
INTRODUCES A NEW LINE OF MOTORCYCLES
Winimac, WI - At a press conference late Monday, the CEO of Johnson
Marine, makers of Johnson outboard marine engines and other recreational
equipment, following the apperent success of Polaris with their line of
Victory motorcycles, unveiled a new line of heavyweight cruiser style
motorcycles designed to compete head to head with industry leader
Harley-Davidson.
In fact, the two companies have a heritage as William Harley designed
the first successful marine carburator for Johnson/Evinrude some 100
years ago.
Peter Long, Johnson brands marketing manager said, "We have studied the
market and determined that Harley, while highly successful, has narrowly
missed the mark when targeting motorcycle buyers". Long added, "We at
Johnson are convinced that our product hits the target dead center and
promises to draw sales away from Harley-Davidson in a way no other
motorcycle has been able to accomplish".
The new line of bikes, marketed under the name Big Johnson Motorcycles,
will, according to Long, deliver what Harley has only promised. "Our
research show that this, a Big Johnson, is what Harley buyers are really
after".
At the unveiling of the new line Monday, several current Harley owners
agreed. "When I bought my Harley, what I really needed was a Big
Johnson," said one Harley owner. " But I see now that riding a Harley is
no replacement for having a Big Johnson." Manager Long also said that
his company would follow the lead of Harley-Davidson and cash in on a
huge market for non-motorcycle related products. "We realize that not
every guy can have a Big Johnson," said Long, "But image is very
important to people. If they don't have a Big Johnson, they at least
want to project the image of having one."
Asked if he anticipated Big Johnsons showing up in the hands of Harley
owners, Long said it was unlikely. "I just don't see the need to have a
Harley if you have a Big Johnson," he said. "And I can't imagine someone
who spends all their resources to acquire a Harley having a Big Johnson.
I think it boils down to this - You either have a Harley, or you have a
Big Johnson, but you are not likely to have both." "Given the choice,"
said Long, "I think most guys will opt for the Big Johnson."
Another force driving sales for the company will come from women. A
survey of the wives and girlfriends of nearly 1,000 potential motorcycle
buyers indicates less than 5% would approve of their partner spending
$15,000 on a Harley Davidson. But, when asked if they would be willing
to pay the same amount of money to get their partner a Big Johnson,
nearly 4 out 5 thought that would be money well spent.
One female present at the product unveiling was quoted as saying, "There
is no way I will let Lonnie drop 15 grand on another one of those
Harleys, but 15 grand to get him a Big Johnson? Well, that's something
we could both enjoy, and it's something he really needs."
Carla Roundheel, manager of the dealership network now being
established, said her motto is simple. "I service what we sell." Big
Johnson Motorcycles will be traded on the New York stock exchange under
the abbreviation PNSNV
INTRODUCES A NEW LINE OF MOTORCYCLES
Winimac, WI - At a press conference late Monday, the CEO of Johnson
Marine, makers of Johnson outboard marine engines and other recreational
equipment, following the apperent success of Polaris with their line of
Victory motorcycles, unveiled a new line of heavyweight cruiser style
motorcycles designed to compete head to head with industry leader
Harley-Davidson.
In fact, the two companies have a heritage as William Harley designed
the first successful marine carburator for Johnson/Evinrude some 100
years ago.
Peter Long, Johnson brands marketing manager said, "We have studied the
market and determined that Harley, while highly successful, has narrowly
missed the mark when targeting motorcycle buyers". Long added, "We at
Johnson are convinced that our product hits the target dead center and
promises to draw sales away from Harley-Davidson in a way no other
motorcycle has been able to accomplish".
The new line of bikes, marketed under the name Big Johnson Motorcycles,
will, according to Long, deliver what Harley has only promised. "Our
research show that this, a Big Johnson, is what Harley buyers are really
after".
At the unveiling of the new line Monday, several current Harley owners
agreed. "When I bought my Harley, what I really needed was a Big
Johnson," said one Harley owner. " But I see now that riding a Harley is
no replacement for having a Big Johnson." Manager Long also said that
his company would follow the lead of Harley-Davidson and cash in on a
huge market for non-motorcycle related products. "We realize that not
every guy can have a Big Johnson," said Long, "But image is very
important to people. If they don't have a Big Johnson, they at least
want to project the image of having one."
Asked if he anticipated Big Johnsons showing up in the hands of Harley
owners, Long said it was unlikely. "I just don't see the need to have a
Harley if you have a Big Johnson," he said. "And I can't imagine someone
who spends all their resources to acquire a Harley having a Big Johnson.
I think it boils down to this - You either have a Harley, or you have a
Big Johnson, but you are not likely to have both." "Given the choice,"
said Long, "I think most guys will opt for the Big Johnson."
Another force driving sales for the company will come from women. A
survey of the wives and girlfriends of nearly 1,000 potential motorcycle
buyers indicates less than 5% would approve of their partner spending
$15,000 on a Harley Davidson. But, when asked if they would be willing
to pay the same amount of money to get their partner a Big Johnson,
nearly 4 out 5 thought that would be money well spent.
One female present at the product unveiling was quoted as saying, "There
is no way I will let Lonnie drop 15 grand on another one of those
Harleys, but 15 grand to get him a Big Johnson? Well, that's something
we could both enjoy, and it's something he really needs."
Carla Roundheel, manager of the dealership network now being
established, said her motto is simple. "I service what we sell." Big
Johnson Motorcycles will be traded on the New York stock exchange under
the abbreviation PNSNV