In response to economic constraints and high inflation in Western countries, Harley-Davidson is temporarily shifting part of its production to Thailand.
This move is reminiscent of their 2019 decision to relocate production for the European and Asian markets to Thailand while keeping manufacturing for the U.S. domestic market stateside.
This time, the production shift will include models equipped with the Revolution Max engine (Pan America, Sportster S, and Nightster). According to the Daily Mail, which cites a company spokesperson, this relocation is intended to optimize production capacity for the Grand American Touring, Softail, and Trike models.
Harley-Davidson has assured that this move will not affect employment at its U.S. facilities. However, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers expressed discontent, accusing the company of breaking promises by removing domestic production of models intended for the U.S. market. The union described this decision as a ‘kick in the teeth to American workers and a betrayal of the company’s legacy as an American icon’.