In a sign of the buoyant Asian market for
rough-and-tumble bikes, Harley-Davidson celebrated the official opening of its
Asia Pacific headquarters during a raucous event, complete with models and flashy motorbikes, at the company’s new regional
office in Singapore.

“This office is brick and mortar proof of Harley-Davidson’s
commitment to the Asia Pacific region and to introducing the brand’s ideals of
individuality and self-expression to more customers here,” said President and Chief Operating
Officer Matt Levatich during the grand opening ceremony. “We are excited to be opening
this new office because now we are in a better position to support the growing number
of customers across this region that is eager to take part in the unique
Harley- Davidson experience.”

Harley-Davidson’s strategic growth plans include opening new
markets and expanding in existing ones. The company expects sales outside of
the US to
exceed 40 percent of its total by 2014, and that growth in the Asia Pacific markets
will be key to achieving that goal.

Commenting on the grand opening, Yeoh Keat Chuan, Assistant
Managing Director of the Singapore Economic Development Board, said during the
ceremony: “We are pleased that Harley-Davidson chose Singapore
for its Asia Pacific headquarters. We believe that our proximity to growth
markets, excellent connectivity and ability to provide pan-Asian consumer insights
make Singapore
the ideal location for Harley-Davidson to better serve its customers in Asia.”

For the record, Harley-Davidson is also the first motorcycle company to base its Asia Pacific
operations in Singapore.

Harley-davidson