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Purple Chip Capital Backs H Partners’ Initiative for Change at Harley Davidson, Plans to Withhold Votes at 2025 Shareholders’ Annual Meeting

Purple Chip Capital Endorses H Partners’ Initiative for Change at Harley Davidson, Declares Intent to WITHHOLD Votes at the 2025 Annual Shareholders Meeting

Critiques Disengaged Board of Directors and Misguided Strategic Vision

CANTON, Ga., April 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Purple Chip Capital Management, LLC (“Purple Chip Capital”), a value-driven investment firm and long-term investor in Harley Davidson, Inc. (NYSE:HOG) (“Harley Davidson” or the “Company”), has issued a statement supporting H Partners’ campaign for change at Harley-Davidson and declaring its intent to WITHHOLD votes regarding the re-election of CEO and Chairman Jochen Zeitz, along with Directors Thomas Linebarger and Sara Levinson during the Company’s 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

“As dedicated long-term shareholders and patrons of Harley Davidson, we have witnessed with concern the Company’s significant deviation from the fundamental principles that established it as an enduring American icon. Owning a Harley Davidson has always encompassed more than just having a motorcycle; it signifies being part of a distinctive culture and community recognized throughout the United States. This community thrived on a national network of dealerships that acted as local hubs, offering personalized services, exclusive events, and various tailored options that define Harley Davidson’s legacy.

The current Board of Directors has overlooked this culture, undermining the very foundation that has propelled Harley Davidson for almost 125 years, opting instead for online sales, inappropriate product expansions, and a neglect of the high-quality choices that make each Harley Davidson motorcycle genuinely distinct. The Company deserves a board that appreciates what distinguishes it and treats its dealers as essential partners and contributors to its success. Without thriving dealerships, the cherished community we are part of will dwindle, and performance will inevitably decline.

Regarding products, the Company must accept that the electric Livewire bikes were a serious misstep and should be phased out. Harley Davidson enthusiasts crave raw, unfiltered American power, not electric alternatives. The focus should shift to engaging the next generation of Harley riders, revamping the product line, and reinstating the iconic Sportster 883 as an entry-level option. Additionally, the ongoing push for cost-cutting through plastic accessories and trims has diminished the allure of the comprehensive Harley Davidson product range. It’s time to rekindle the pride that Harley Davidson riders have always felt in their motorcycles and the Company itself, bringing back high-quality parts and accessories crafted from chrome, steel, and leather.

We are pleased to see H Partners echo our concerns regarding the current trajectory of Harley Davidson, and we plan to WITHHOLD our votes for Directors Zeitz, Linebarger, and Levinson at the Annual Meeting. We believe that removing these three long-standing directors, who are evidently disconnected from Harley Davidson’s legacy, is a crucial step towards restoring the Company’s honor for the benefit of its riders, dealers, and shareholders.”

About Purple Chip Capital
Purple Chip Capital Management is an investment management firm established by Jason T. Dickerson, recognized for its value-oriented strategies and long-term investing approach. Based in Canton, Georgia, Purple Chip Capital emphasizes the identification of undervalued companies, often utilizing a concentrated portfolio strategy, and actively collaborates with management to enhance performance when needed.

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Purple Chip Capital Backs H Partners’ Initiative for Change at Harley Davidson, Plans to Withhold Votes at 2025 Shareholders’ Annual Meeting View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/purple-chip-capital-supports-h-partners-campaign-for-change-at-harley-davidson-announces-intent-to-withhold-its-votes-at-2025-annual-meeting-of-shareholders-302441227.html

SOURCE Purple Chip Capital Management, LLC

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Harley Davidson News

Elon Musk Plans to Reduce DOGE Responsibilities to Almost Half of His Waking Hours

Good morning! It’s Wednesday, April 23, 2025, and welcome to The Morning Shift, your essential summary of the leading automotive news from around the globe, all in one place. Here, you’ll discover the most significant stories influencing how Americans drive and navigate their transportation needs.

In today’s edition, we’re diving into where Tesla CEO Elon Musk is focusing his efforts, alongside the auto sector’s cautions to President Trump regarding tariffs. Additionally, a dealer group from California has filed a lawsuit against Tesla concerning direct sales of Scout vehicles, while India is considering reducing tariffs on Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

Read more: These Are The Dumbest Car Crashes You’ve Ever Seen

1st Gear: Musk’s Commitment to Spend More Time on Tesla Comes With Divided Focus

Elon Musk Plans to Reduce DOGE Responsibilities to Almost Half of His Waking Hours

Billionaire businessman Elon Musk arrives for a town hall wearing a cheesehead hat at the KI Convention Center on March 30, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The town hall is being held in front of the state’s high-profile Supreme Court election between Circuit Court Judge Brad Schimel, who has been financially backed by Musk and endorsed by President Donald Trump, and Dane County Circuit Court Judge Susan Crawford. – Scott Olson/Getty Images

Elon Musk has been dedicating a large portion of his recent time to the Department of Government Efficiency, reminiscent of the infamous chainsaw consultants from “Office Space.” Musk, for reasons not quite clear, seems to admire these individuals. However, investors in Tesla are increasingly worried that his focus on “disassembling the federal government” might divert too much of his attention from the automotive sector, a concern he attempted to reassure during the investor call. According to Reuters:

Musk’s engagement with the Department of Government Efficiency, a role in which he has spearheaded federal job cuts, has become a political flashpoint, inciting protests and acts of vandalism against Tesla showrooms. Investors are expressing unease over Musk’s seeming lack of attention toward Tesla, where sales have significantly declined.

“The substantial amount of work required to establish the DOGE team and collaborate with the government to improve financial stability is mostly complete,” Musk informed analysts during a conference call. He also mentioned that he plans to allocate about 40% of his time to DOGE.

Musk’s 40% time commitment to DOGE suggests this figure refers to his waking hours, leaving the remaining 60% for his various roles at Tesla, SpaceX, The Boring Company, Twitter, XAI, Neuralink, and his habitual posting on X. It’s reasonable to assume that he can manage an adequate amount of focus on each of these entities individually.

2nd Gear: Auto Industry Warns Trump About Layoffs and Bankruptcy Due to Parts Tariffs

President Donald Trump

President Donald Trump – Win Mcnamee/Getty Images

With the Trump administration imposing a 25% tariff on auto parts, American automakers are in a state of panic. Their anxiety has led them to collectively send a letter to the White House, pleading for the reconsideration of this decision. From the Detroit Free Press:

“The tariffs on auto parts are set to disrupt the global automotive supply chain, initiating a chain reaction that will elevate vehicle prices for consumers, lead to decreased sales at dealerships, and complicate vehicle servicing and repairs, making them both costlier and less reliable,” articulated the letter.

“Many auto suppliers lack the financial resilience for a sudden tariff-driven disruption. Many are already struggling, facing production halts, layoffs, and potential bankruptcy,” the letter continued, noting that “the downfall of a single supplier can bring a complete automaker’s production line to a standstill.”

While it’s generally tough to sympathize with corporations that prioritize executive bonuses over worker retention during challenging times, I can comprehend the shock surrounding this decision. Trump has historically favored tariffs, yet usually in the context of safeguarding American businesses—not imposing additional costs on them.

3rd Gear: California Dealers Sue VW Over Direct Scout Sales

A Scout SUV

A Scout SUV – Scout

Volkswagen’s revitalized Scout brand intends to bypass dealers in the car sales process, a move that is favorable to almost everyone except the dealers. Unsurprisingly, the dealers are pushing back. Recently, a group representing California dealers has filed a lawsuit aiming to compel VW to include dealers. From Automotive News:

The lawsuit, filed on April 21 in the San Diego County Superior Court, represents the latest confrontation between a powerful dealer association and the Scout brand. The lawsuit also includes defendants like Volkswagen of America and Volkswagen Group of America.

The legal action claims that Scout’s direct-to-consumer sales model violates a California law that was amended and became effective on January 1, 2024. The dealer association views Scout, which is fully owned by Volkswagen AG, as an affiliate brand of VW, and asserts that the amended law mandates affiliated brands to utilize franchises for sales and services.

Dealers tend to add more hassle than value to the car-buying process, making their legal move for an enforced presence in sales somewhat understandable. Although no one truly wants them involved, it seems everyone may end up needing to tolerate them. Therefore, the current situation appears to be less than ideal.

4th Gear: India Considers Tariff Reductions for Harley-Davidson

Various models of the US motorcycle manufacturer Harley Davidson are displayed in the showroom of the Harley Davidson Store on March 13, 2025 in Berlin, Germany.

Various models of the US motorcycle manufacturer Harley Davidson are displayed in the showroom of the Harley Davidson Store on March 13, 2025 in Berlin, Germany. – Carsten Koall/Getty Images

India presents a challenging environment for automotive brands to establish themselves, primarily due to protective tariffs shielding the local industry. Moreover, the country has a substantial inclination toward two-wheeled transportation, which could make it a lucrative market for brands like Harley-Davidson—if not for the aforementioned tariffs. Therefore, to mitigate trade tensions, India is contemplating a reduction in tariffs for Harley. According to Bloomberg:

The administration led by Narendra Modi is contemplating a proposal to eliminate import duties on motorcycles with an engine capacity of 750cc or larger, based on insights from unnamed sources familiar with the internal deliberations. There’s no assurance that this proposal will be included in the final US-India trade agreement, as it depends on the evolving nature of the negotiations, they added.

This offer seeks to dismantle tariff barriers, particularly for the esteemed American manufacturer Harley-Davidson Inc., and will expand on earlier concessions made during India’s budget period when duties on motorcycles up to 1600cc were reduced from 50% to 40%. The market for such high-capacity motorcycles is a mere fraction of nearly 16 million units sold each year, making this concession relatively manageable for the domestic industry.

Whether Harley can establish a viable market in India remains uncertain, especially given the country’s preference for smaller, more affordable motorcycles. A large cruiser in India is exemplified by the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650—an appealing model adorned with chrome and style akin to a Harley, but at a lower price point and displacement. Will such premium motorcycles find success in this market?

Reverse: Celebrating 20 Years of YouTube

Today marks the 20th anniversary of the first-ever YouTube video. A time when no one envisioned it as a career platform, and before its algorithms began to shape political discourse—back when it was simply a site for sharing videos with friends. How did it all escalate into this?

On The Radio: Rage Against The Machine – ‘Testify’

They should innovate and create cigarettes that are beneficial for health.

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Be sure to check out the original article on Jalopnik.

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Harley Davidson News

Harley-Davidson Unveils Plans for New Small Bikes to Enhance Customer Options Following a Lackluster Conclusion to 2024

HARLEY-Davidson is set to introduce a new line of smaller cruiser motorcycles aimed at attracting a broader audience.

The company intends to leverage the success it has found with sub-500cc models in India, China, and Australia.

Row of Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

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What will the new bike look like? Harley-Davidson plans to spend more on developing entry-level motorcycles
Jochen Zeitz, Harley Davidson CEO, standing next to a motorcycle.

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Harley-Davidson boss Jochen Zeitz is pushing ahead with plans to attract new buyers across the world

Harley-Davidson CEO Jochen Zeitz announced late in 2024 that the company planned to boost investment in entry-level motorcycles.

This announcement is likely to be welcomed by potential customers who have longed to own a classic Harley but may be deterred by their large size.

A few months back, enthusiasts on Reddit debated what the perfect entry-level bike should be, with one user cautioning, “Honestly, there isn’t a great Harley for beginners.”

The beloved brand currently offers three sub-500cc models in other regions, as noted by Topspeed.

READ MORE ON HARLEY-DAVIDSON

The X 440 was launched in India in 2023 through a licensing agreement between Harley-Davidson and Hero MotoCorp for a co-developed premium motorcycle.

Another collaboration with QJMotor has resulted in the introduction of the X 350 and X 500 available in China, Southeast Asia, and Australia.

However, Topspeed points out that “Neither of these has made their way to the West, with the exception of the X 350, which is used as part of Harley’s Rider’s Academy program in the U.S.

“Thus, it’s clear that a small Harley-Davidson bike with a global focus would significantly aid the brand in attracting a wider customer base.

“Additionally, the cruiser segment holds vast unrealized potential today.”

Topspeed suggests that many current small cruiser models available in the United States provide bikers with a “non-authentic experience, often featuring engines from sports bikes or ADV with limited cruiser character.”

Harley-Davidson riders highlight a major ‘oversight’ by the brand as stocks plummet and dealerships shut down

Entry-level cruiser options presently on the market include the Kawasaki Eliminator 500, Honda Rebel 500, Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650, and the CFMoto 450CL-C.

The automotive outlet anticipates “high expectations” for Harley-Davidson’s forthcoming entry-level addition.

This is particularly relevant as Hero MotoCorp announced in January its plans to widen its partnership with Harley-Davidson.

Hero MotoCorp is recognized as one of the largest motorcycle and scooter manufacturers globally.

The firm stated: “We have extended our partnership with Harley-Davidson to develop new variants of the Harley-Davidson X440 and to create a new motorcycle for both domestic and select international markets.”

What new and refreshed Harley-Davidson motorcycles can we expect for 2025?

The lineup of all-new 2025 models includes:

The Street Glide Ultra for extensive touring and the Pan America 1250 ST versatile adventure sport motorcycle.

Harley-Davidson has also upgraded six classic Cruiser models for 2025: the Low Rider S; Low Rider ST; Breakout; Heritage Classic; Fat Boy; and Street Bob.

The brand’s Sportster S has also received enhancements.

A series of limited-edition Custom Vehicle Operation (CVO) motorcycles includes four models: CVO Street Glide; CVO Road Glide; CVO Road Glide ST; and CVO Pan America.

The motorcycle manufacturer stated that these new models complete the 2025 lineup for Harley-Davidson’s Grand American Touring, Cruiser, Sport, Adventure Touring, and Trike motorcycles.

It’s believed that Harley-Davidson could effectively target Western markets, while Hero MotoCorp could produce bikes for the American brand, helping to maintain low costs.

The company is currently developing a Nightster 440, a name already trademarked by both Harley-Davidson and Hero MotoCorp in India.

REVENUE DECLINE

The new initiatives surface as the brand looks to recover from disappointing financial results in 2024, marking the second consecutive year of decline.

In the fourth quarter, Harley-Davidson’s global motorcycle shipments fell by 53 percent compared to the prior year.

Revenue was down 47 percent, partly due to reduced sales volume, as stated by Jochen Zeitz, the CEO.

The company anticipates another challenging year in 2025 after closing several dealerships to cut costs.

Nevertheless, Zeitz is optimistic that the iconic brand will persevere.

There are over 650 Harley-Davidson dealerships across the United States.

However, numerous dealerships were closed for various reasons throughout 2024.

TOO EXPENSIVE

The company recently showcased its new models for 2025.

However, some bikers expressed concerns over the hefty pricing.

Harley-Davidson has been advised by fans to lower motorcycle prices in order to remain competitive in the U.S. market.

“Harley will be outta business because regular middle class won’t be able to afford them,” one individual cautioned on social media.

The century-old American brand has been steadily losing market share in the U.S. amid declining retail sales.

Zeitz mentioned back in 2021 that he aimed to broaden the brand’s appeal beyond just middle-aged and wealthy riders.

The U.S. Sun recently reported on upcoming Harley-Davidson models anticipated to launch in 2026.

The all-electric LiveWire division of Harley-Davidson, developed in collaboration with Taiwanese scooter manufacturer KYMCO, will introduce a new series of high-performance maxi-scooters.

The company aims to commence shipping these scooters in the first half of 2026, with plans for global distribution.

The U.S. Sun has reached out to Harley-Davidson for comments regarding its ambitions for new entry-level motorcycles.

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Harley Davidson News

‘Leaked’ Harley-Davidson Plans Unveil 7 New Bikes, Including a Special Anniversary Model

HARLEY-DAVIDSON is set to introduce a lineup of fresh and updated motorcycles for 2025 in just a few days.

Among the anticipated new models is a special edition celebrating the 35th anniversary of the legendary Fat Boy, renowned as the favored ride of Arnold Schwarzenegger in Terminator 2: Judgment Day.

‘Leaked’ Harley-Davidson Plans Unveil 7 New Bikes, Including a Special Anniversary Model

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A Harley-Davidson sign indicating a dealershipCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Red Harley-Davidson gas tank.

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A Harley-Davidson motorcycle fuel tankCredit: Harley Davidson

The forthcoming announcement marks the first series of new motorcycles to be revealed by Harley-Davidson this year.

The lineup will include seven revamped Softail models, featuring a more robust engine for Harley’s Low Rider S and Low Rider ST, as reported by Motorcycle.com.

Besides enhanced engines, the new Low Rider S and ST are expected to be lighter than their predecessors.

A complete revelation of the company’s new and refreshed models for 2025 is anticipated on January 23.

READ MORE ON HARLEY-DAVIDSON

However, Motorcycle.com disclosed that the company’s filings in Australia included a listing of seven vehicle identification codes.

Three confirmed models were concealed with placeholder images labeled “CONFIDENTIAL until Embargo date,” suggesting they are undergoing mechanical upgrades.

These included the Low Rider S, Low Rider ST, and Breakout.

The remaining four identification codes were not labeled.

They encompass FLHC (Heritage Classic), FXBB (Street Bob), and FLFB (Fat Boy), devoid of the “S” designation indicating them as Special models.

The absence of an “S” suggests that the new 114 engine will succeed the 107 as the standard.

New Harley-Davidson models anticipated to arrive in 2026 – and they are anything but typical motorcycles

The fourth code, FLSTFI, was the original 1990 model code for the Fat Boy, further hinting that the 2025 model will be a special 35th-anniversary edition.

A teaser image released on Harley-Davidson’s website displayed a Low Rider air intake marked Milwaukee-Eight 117 High Output.

This indicates that the Low Rider’s new engine may deliver 114 horsepower at 5,020 revolutions per minute, compared to the previous year’s engine which peaked at 103 horsepower at 5,020 revolutions per minute.

The 2025 Breakout is also expected to feature Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine tuning.

Motorcycle equipment tips

BEFORE mounting a motorbike and hitting the road, riders should be aware of what equipment is necessary for safety.

It’s advisable for riders to protect themselves as thoroughly as possible before speeding down the highway among other vehicles.

This means that all riders should definitely have a high-quality motorcycle helmet that fits well.

It’s equally important to cover as much skin as feasible, so wearing pants and a riding jacket is crucial.

Safety-conscious riders can take the additional step of always having riding gloves handy and wearing boots while riding.

Cycle World summarizes it best, “When you’re deciding how to spend your money on gear, just ask yourself this question: What is that body part worth? Then spend accordingly.”

CARRY-OVER MODELS REVEALED

The leaked information comes right after Harley-Davidson disclosed its carry-over models on January 2.

These are the models returning with new color schemes and adjusted price points for 2025.

A representative for Harley-Davidson confirmed to The U.S. Sun that more 2025 motorcycles will be unveiled on H-D.com at 5 pm CST on January 23.

In the meantime, a brand new Harley-Davidson dealership is expected to open in a matter of days.

Nonetheless, the company has faced numerous closures in the past year.

Furthermore, other dealerships, such as a long-standing family-owned dealership, have been sold.