Question

Harley-Davidson celebrates its 110th anniversary in 2013. The company has grown impressively during its century of operations. All of the following mentioned facts regarding the company are true except: A) the company's international success came after years of neglecting overseas markets. B) the company reacted swiftly to a growing threat from Japanese manufacturers. C) early on, the company used an export-selling approach. D) early on, it had an underdeveloped dealer network. E) after the 1980s, they recruited dealers in the important Japanese markets.

1) the company's international success came after years of neglecting overseas markets.
2) the company reacted swiftly to a growing threat from Japanese manufacturers.
3) early on, the company used an export-selling approach.
4) early on, it had an underdeveloped dealer network.
5) after the 1980s, they recruited dealers in the important Japanese markets.

Answer 1

The statement that Harley-Davidson swiftly responded to the growing threat from Japanese manufacturers is false. Historical accounts suggest the American auto industry was slower to adapt to the competition from the more fuel-efficient and reliable Japanese vehicles in the 1970s and 1980s.

Step-by-step explanation:

Harley-Davidson celebrated its 110th anniversary in 2013 and its growth over the century of operations has been notable. When examining the statements provided about the company, it is important to consider the historical context of the motorcycle and automobile industries, as well as the influences of globalization on market competition. Looking at the information provided, the statement that the company reacted swiftly to a growing threat from Japanese manufacturers is the one that does not align with historical accounts. Especially, considering the situation in the 1970s where the American automotive industry was affected by the increased popularity of Japanese fuel-efficient cars due to a surge in gasoline prices. Similarly, by the 1980s, Harley-Davidson needed to redefine strategies to compete with Japanese motorcycle manufacturers, which entailed recruiting dealers in important overseas markets, including Japan.