Harley-Davidson chief speaks out over Buell

Keith Wandell: "We're not going to try to be all things to all people"

AMERICAN MOTORCYCLE giant Harley-Davidson Chief Executive Keith Wandell has spoken out over the company's decision to halt prodction of Buell motorcycles and put MV Agusta up for sale.

Wandell stated Harley need to focus on themselves as the company were "diverting investment dollars away from the Harley brand to support those brands."

The company, owners of now defunct Buell Motorcycles, yesterday reported an 84% drop in third-quarter profit.

Harley's financial arm recorded a $31.5 million third-quarter operating loss, compared to a $35.6 million profit a year ago.

"We think we'll bump along the bottom through 2010," said chief executive Keith Wandell. "We're not going to try to be all things to all people."

In light of spiralling financial loss, reported by Visordown over the last few months, the Milwaukee-based motorcycle manufacturer has halted production of Buell motorcycles and is putting its Italy-based MV Agusta division up for sale.