Posted on 10/15/2009 11:06:45 AM PDT by Diana in Wisconsin
Harley-Davidson USA today announced that they are discontinuing the Buell line of motorcycles. This news comes as Harley-Davidson reported a third quarter earnings that was down 21.3% from the same period in 2008.
All remaining in-stock Buell motorcycles and accessories will be sold by authorized dealers, but no additional Buell motorcycles will be manufactured. Existing warranty coverage for Buell motorcycles will be honored and Harley-Davidson will continue to provide replacement parts and service through their dealerships.
Over time, the discontinuing of the Buell line is expected to eliminate 80 hourly productions positions and approximately 100 salaried positions at Buell. According to Harley-Davidson's statement, employment for the majority of these Buell employees will end on December 18, 2009.
On the Buell Motorcycle website, in a large main-page video titled "An Important Announcement From Erik Buell" a worn-out and defeated looking Erik Buell also announced the end of the Buell brand. Erik Buell is the founder and designer of Buell motorcycles.
According to Wikipedia, Buell Motorcycles were based in Troy, Wisonsin. Buell's partnership with Harley-Davidson began in 1993 and Buell had become a subsidiary of Harley-Davidson by 2003.
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