HARLEY-Davidson has announced a major update after recent calls for the brand’s CEO to lose his role.
The US bike giant’s second-largest investor was keen to see three directors, including boss Jochen Zeitz, ousted as part of a major reshuffle.
However, in a closely contested board decision, Zeitz has kept his position in what was described as a “razor-thin outcome” by Reuters.
Zeitz, who has run the iconic firm since 2020, has been criticized in recent times for the company’s declining sales and falling stock price.
To that end, H Partners had been pushing for an external candidate to come in, but proxy advisory firm Institutional Shareholder Services said they failed to make “a compelling case for change”.
It’s been hinted that Zeitz is to retire this year – but the German-born businessman has said he would stay until a replacement was found.
Harley troubles are well reported, with the company’s shares – valued at $3 billion -dropping by 31% over the past year.
Many believe the issue is related to their struggles to appeal to a new generation of bikers.
This news comes just days after Harley-Davidson announced a “bold new step” that will see them introduced to a whole new range of fans.
The motorcycle-making giant – loved across the US – will be given a chance for great exposure in Europe as it prepares to join forces with MotoGP – the premier motorcycle road racing series.
The brand announced a Harley-Davidson support championship is set to launch in 2026, which will see teams race bagger motorcycles at grands prix across Europe and North America.
It will see riders given race-prepared Harley-Davidson Road Glide bagger motorcycles – the brand’s touring-style bikes designed for long-distances.
The 12-race series will run at six grands prix across the MotoGP calendar, with six to eight teams with two riders each expected to compete.
At this stage, no specific venues have been mentioned – although it is widely assumed that one of them will be the Circuit of the Americas located in Austin, Texas.
Elsewhere, a new Harley-Davidson dealership recently opened in a key part of the US – having overcome numerous challenges to make it a reality.
And to mark the grand opening, a famous face made a special appearance to help kick off the store’s exciting new chapter.
On its very first day in business, an event that drew a huge crowd of enthusiasts and members of the community was organised – complete with live music and food vendors.
The festivities then finished in a ribbon-cutting ceremony – signifying the dealership’s official launch.
Harley-Davidson closures in 2024
There are over 650 Harley-Davidson dealerships across America.
However, multiple stores have closed for various reasons throughout 2024 – if they give any explanation at all.
Below is a list of some Harley-Davidson locations that have shuttered this year and why they closed their doors:
A San Francisco location closed in June 2024 after 110 years due to ‘chaos’ brought by new management.
Miracle City Harley-Davidson in Titusville, Florida, closed in September 2024 with no reason given.
Harley-Davidson’s legacy location in New York City closed shop on September 28, 2024, with the owner citing problems with the economy.
Reiman’s Harley-Davidson dealership in Kewanee, Illinois, closed its doors in October 2024 after the owners sold the business to the Walter Brothers Harley Davidson dealership in Peoria, Illinois.
Another Illinois dealership closed in November 2024.
Plus, the dealership in West Bend, Wisconsin, is temporarily closing for the season from November 2 until April 1, 2024.
In 2025, Hideout Harley-Davidson in Missouri announced it would shutter at the end of March.
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