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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 15 Albertville Mn | Live from Fox news Polaris announces that they will close the plant that makes the Victory engines and other American built engines along with other Polaris/ Victory Parts and moving some of it to Mexico and some of it to other Polaris plants. I will seriously have to rethink any future decision regarding buying another Polaris product if they move to Mexico. The reason I bought Polaris and Victory products is the fact that they are from the USA and especially from my home state of Minnesota . This Sucks! |
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Fountain Inn, SC United States | I feel bad for the great workers at the Osceola, WI plant. They worked hard & proud on the engines.
Here's a little more info:
http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20100520-716361.html?mod=WSJ_la...
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Cruiser
Posts: 235 Kincardine, Ontario, Canada | Typical of all big businesses today
Henry Ford figured it out, he realized there was a small market for the automobile, and if he wanted to sell more cars, people needed more disposable income. He immediately gave his workers a big raise, in turn they could buy refrigerators, stoves, etc, those people were able to buy cars, and that's how the whole economy took off.
Todays business lives for the next quarter, they are too stupid to realize they are loosing their market, disposable income is gone and credit is maxed out. But hey, let's give those fat overworked idiots at the top their big fancy bonus every year, Hell we all know they are worth it.
I feel better now |
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Tourer
Posts: 523 seattle, wa | This is bad news. So now my "American Made" will be "Hecho in Mexico" Anyone wanna buy a Victory Vision? It only pops every now and then. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 7 Lakehills, Texas | This will really give the HD lovers something to heckle us about, now I understand the need to come out with the new logo, the old one just wouldn't fit. I for one made my decision yrs. ago to buy a Vic. based on it being AMERICAN, and with all the BS going on with Mexico I would have rather they moved their plant to China! Damn You Polaris!!!!! |
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Tourer
Posts: 499 Chattanooga, TN | I just sent off an email through the Polaris website to let them know my displeasure. Not hard at all. I love to buy American made products, and I know many people in the motorcycling community who do also. It may not mean anything to them now, but if in the future they look for a cause and effect relationship with declining sales and revenue, it might.
Baadawg
2008 Blacked Out Tour Premium |
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Tourer
Posts: 575 Spirit Lake IA "Birthplace of Victory Motorcycles" | Not all jobs going to Mexico . . . I live in Spirit Lake, IA and there was a "Help Wanted" sign in front of the Polaris / Victory plant. I heard on radio they are looking to hire welders and general assembly for all 3 shifts. Wife thought she heard they were hiring 200 people . . . I'll watch for the local news. I'm sure they are not building engines here, but production has been ramping up nicely all spring with them working multiple shifts and Saturdays.
Even if some production shifts to Mexico, Victory is still higher American content than HD . . . unless you count all their marketing (though I bet most of the merchandise is made overseas). |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144 New Bohemia, VA | I got a few more years to worry about buying another motorcycle. The one I'm riding now has a fuel pump made in China, at least that is what the old one said. I'm figurein' if you wanted a 100% American made motorcycle you'll have to build it yourself from the ground up. |
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Visionary
Posts: 3773 Pittsburgh, PA | If the power plant will be Mexican made wow will this be hard to argue with why victory is a great American product. So much for American made.. maybe American assembled?
Edited by Arkainzeye 2010-05-20 10:51 PM
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Visionary
Posts: 3773 Pittsburgh, PA | Wonder if this should be brought up at the AVR..........? MAYBE for the next year it will be called the A/MVR?
BTW, do think the knowledge of a future change had anything to do with their new slogan? Slowly back away from using anything related to being "American"? So when the big change happens, their American slogans aren't easily remembered.? Could there be any truth to that? This leaves such a unpleasant taste in my mouth... once this hits the main stream motorcycle world we all better get some thick skin.... I can see it now...
Edited by Arkainzeye 2010-05-20 10:58 PM
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Visionary
Posts: 3006 San Antonio, TX | I have my Vision. Am I happy about them moving production to Mexico for the engine...No. Will I buy any Victory with Mexican made engine...Sure. If the ride fits me and is reliable...why not. If the quality is the same why should I care.
I live in San Antonio, TX and there are a lot of Maquiladora businesses here and even more products going through here.
Every day I see very long trains loaded with truck frames, car frames, completed cars, trucks and many other goods going North for final assembly and sale.
Look at your Chevys and Fords and other "American" vehicles and will Hecho in Mexico on a lot of parts and components.
Ride Safe |
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Visionary
Posts: 3773 Pittsburgh, PA | It very well maybe the same quality. But they didn't make their foot print in the motorcycle world on July 4th by having a Mexican engine. I remember when I was researching victory's, there was info online about how much MORE AMERICAN made they were over HD. and this was used as marketing to get u.s. buyers to give another American company a shot. I know there is no such thing as a 100% American product anymore. But come on! The beating heart of a Victory! I'd rather them make the freaking frames there than the Heart of my motorcycle. I guess I looked at victory as one of the true last American companies... maybe we can replace our lighted badges with the picture of the taco bell dog? Maybe at the AVR, ride with the Mexican flag hanging off the rack? (Joking).. |
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Tourer
Posts: 523 seattle, wa | RT, Is that one of the problems with the American economy today? People don't care where it's made as long as they get what they want.
I'm no economist but I would prefer to buy American Made, thats one of the reasons I bought a Victory, it helps our country. I can't point my finger at anyone, I have owned my share of Hondas (including the American made Goldwing) and I have owned two Toyotas. I have never bought a new vehicle except my Victory, and I was proud that it was made here. I know most manufacturers have things built in other countries, like Ford, Chevy, Freightliner, Peterbuilt, Kenworth, and too many others. That doesn't make it OK. Is the USA ever going to have any products made entirely here? Damn this makes me mad!!! |
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Visionary
Posts: 3773 Pittsburgh, PA | rwilly - 2010-05-20 11:15 PM
RT, Is that one of the problems with the American economy today? People don't care where it's made as long as they get what they want.
I'm no economist but I would prefer to buy American Made, thats one of the reasons I bought a Victory, it helps our country. I can't point my finger at anyone, I have owned my share of Hondas (including the American made Goldwing) and I have owned two Toyotas. I have never bought a new vehicle except my Victory, and I was proud that it was made here. I know most manufacturers have things built in other countries, like Ford, Chevy, Freightliner, Peterbuilt, Kenworth, and too many others. That doesn't make it OK. Is the USA ever going to have any products made entirely here? Damn this makes me mad!!!
I've been obsessing over the jackpot! Guess what I'm not going to buy.. might as well get a freaking Yamaha raider now. Its 113ci . I'm just pissed... wonder how long victory has been sitting on this bright idea?? You know what? SCREW IT.. FUEL IT! ! |
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Visionary
Posts: 2118 Pitt Meadows, BC Canada | Would it be ok if they moved to Canada? Where most Fords & GM's are made? Be nice to own a Canadian Made motorcycle.... |
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Visionary
Posts: 3773 Pittsburgh, PA | Is Canada even a real country? LOL |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 725 Reno County, KS | It will be made in Mexico just like my Chevy? Maybe this is why they had to change their logo from "The new American motorcycle". |
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Visionary
Posts: 2118 Pitt Meadows, BC Canada | Arkainzeye - 2010-05-20 9:48 PM Is Canada even a real country? LOL Trade ya Quebec for Alaska ..... |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144 New Bohemia, VA | excess |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 669 Peachtree City, GA | varyder - 2010-05-20 11:30 PM
I got a few more years to worry about buying another motorcycle. The one I'm riding now has a fuel pump made in China, at least that is what the old one said. I'm figurein' if you wanted a 100% American made motorcycle you'll have to build it yourself from the ground up.
You got that right!
Ok - for all you mucsle car nuts... The return of great American mucsle car - Camaro... built in Canada. Need I say more?
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Visionary
Posts: 3773 Pittsburgh, PA | Webhair - 2010-05-21 7:35 AM
varyder - 2010-05-20 11:30 PM
I got a few more years to worry about buying another motorcycle. The one I'm riding now has a fuel pump made in China, at least that is what the old one said. I'm figurein' if you wanted a 100% American made motorcycle you'll have to build it yourself from the ground up.
You got that right!
Ok - for all you mucsle car nuts... The return of great American mucsle car - Camaro... built in Canada. Need I say more?
Yeah Government Motors never was one to make good decisions...
its funny to see on Tv where toyota and honda mostly toyota will show their products and then Makes sure they let you know their product is being made here in the U.S. I wonder why they do that?
Edited by Arkainzeye 2010-05-21 7:45 AM
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Visionary
Posts: 2026 Brighton, TN | Ok all you naysayers! On one hand, sure it is no longer American Made, but what ever is. Are any of you willing to pay 80,000 dollars for a bike or a car that is 100% American made, designed, assembled. Oh yeah, the caveat, is that to get it all done, it will be designed and have the power of a GEO METRO! I didn't think so, think economics! |
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Tourer
Posts: 523 seattle, wa | Sure, some HD parts are made elsewhere but at least the heart of the motorcycle is built here, and they don't cost 80k. |
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Visionary
Posts: 3204 Memphis | This is an emotional subject, for sure. I'd be real interested to see how hard Polaris looked around to try and keep the motors built in the U.S. We know about Harley threatening to move to Mississippi. There is a big aircraft maintenance facility in Blytheville, Arkansas that does contract work on regional jets. The facility is located at Blytheville Air Force Base, an old B-52 base from the Cold War. My youngest son just graduated as an Airframes and Powerplants mechanic and interviewed with those guys. He really liked the company and the guys but it would be a 100 mile commute and the starting pay is $12/hour. Now, who's going to work for $12/hour? Not me or you, that's for sure. But there is a workforce out there that can afford to do that. It would not be a job that you could bank on for long term stability with plans for supporting a family, but it is a start that would get you experience in a marketable skill for later on. I can't believe that Polaris can't find a single town in this country that would make it worth their while to keep it here. I was taught pretty early on not to bitch about something unless I could offer an alternative to fix it. Does this suck? Yes. Do I wish I could fix it? Yes. Do I have an alternative? No. Am I going to throw my dealer under the bus because of a corporate decision that they had no say in? No way. Luckily for me, my '08 Vision is the last bike I was planning to ever buy anyway. It will now be even more iconic. |
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Visionary
Posts: 3773 Pittsburgh, PA | Probably doing it for tax breaks. Where I live Sony got a 15 or 20 year tax break for bringing jobs here. The tax break is gone and so is most of the workers. |
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Visionary
Posts: 3006 San Antonio, TX | rwilly - 2010-05-20 11:15 PM
RT, Is that one of the problems with the American economy today? People don't care where it's made as long as they get what they want.
Is the USA ever going to have any products made entirely here? Damn this makes me mad!!!
rwilly,
I really do not express myself very well when I type.
It is not that I do not care, it is that I do not have a choice. Not having a choice really upsets me but what can I do? I really love riding.
Walk? Darn, even there I have very little choice. The only American footwear I own are my new Chippewa's and the older Red Wings.
I have to deal with the world the way it is not the way I wish it to be.
I shudder to think what the price of the Vision or the Ultra would be if every single part of the bikes were made in the USA. |
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Visionary
Posts: 3006 San Antonio, TX | Check out the latest news!
http://www.vision-riders.com/bb/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=6083 |
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Visionary
Posts: 3006 San Antonio, TX | I was really wondering what a V-Twin built South of the border would sound like starting........now I will never know.
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Cruiser
Posts: 255 New Brunswick , Canada | A message from Victory's corporate office for all Victory Riders:
Victory Motorcycle Production to Remain in United States
Yesterday [5/20], Polaris announced a realignment of ourmanufacturing operations that included the eventual sale or closure of theOsceola manufacturing operations. Questions have been raised about how thisaffects the manufacturing of Victory Motorcycles, including our Freedom V-Twinengine. Victory Motorcycle assembly will remain in our Spirit Lake, Iowa,facility, and assembly of the Freedom V-Twin engine will now join it there.This allows us to have all Victory manufacturing and assembly in a singlelocation. It?s still an American-made motorcycle. We have planned investmentsgoing into the Spirit Lake plant as it becomes the Victory Motorcycles Centerof Excellence. We recognize that it is difficult news for our Osceola employeesand we will make every effort to ease the transition. All employees impacted bythese moves will be treated with the fairness and respect they deserve.
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Tourer
Posts: 523 seattle, wa | radioteacher - 2010-05-21 8:39 AM
rwilly - 2010-05-20 11:15 PM
RT, Is that one of the problems with the American economy today? People don't care where it's made as long as they get what they want.
Is the USA ever going to have any products made entirely here? Damn this makes me mad!!!
rwilly,
I really do not express myself very well when I type.
It is not that I do not care, it is that I do not have a choice. Not having a choice really upsets me but what can I do? I really love riding.
Walk? Darn, even there I have very little choice. The only American footwear I own are my new Chippewa's and the older Red Wings.
I have to deal with the world the way it is not the way I wish it to be.
I shudder to think what the price of the Vision or the Ultra would be if every single part of the bikes were made in the USA.
I don't express myself very well in print either.
I agree with you about dealing with the world as it is, not how we want it.
But I am going to try and teach my son that we can make a difference, we can change things.
When it comes to Big Business the only way to change it is from the inside.
OK, I can relax now...breathe.... |
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Tourer
Posts: 411 Dallas, Texas | For me, if I could have a Vision that 1)the saddlebags were tight and straight, 2)radio that sounded good and picked up stations well, 3) filling up with gas didn't have the possiblility of creating a gas leak, 4) a trunk that didn't rattle...etc..etc..and it was either partially/fully made outside or inside the US, that would be fine by me. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1117 Northeast Ohio | So what exactly is moving to Mexico? Engine component manufacturing? Based off Lojak's response from Victory, this is what it sounds like. |
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Fountain Inn, SC United States | Robert Pandya (their marketing/PR agent) gave me the following words followed by the OFFICIAL News Release.
Hello all - I'm writing you via bcc to follow up on yesterdays Polaris press release stating the coming re-organization of Polaris and Victory production facilities in Osceola, WI. I wanted to clarify that Victory Freedom V-Twin engines ? a proprietary and original design for the Victory brand - will be moved to the Spirit Lake, Iowa, USA plant in 2011. This will in fact put Victory production and assembly at one facility greatly assisting in production timing and response. Victory motorcycles are still American Motorcycles ? if you don't think so I would suggest not yelling your opinion out in the cafeteria in Spirit Lake! The Polaris press release yesterday was not completely clear in this matter, and as it's an emotionally charged one on both sides of our business - internal and consumer - there has been lots of mis-information rattling out there and as you are part of the motorcycle industry or have somehow touched on the brand in the past year, thought it best to make a clear statement to you.
For those of you yet to see the press release - it is included below. Thanks for your continued support and enthusiasm for Victory Motorcycles as the Polaris brand grows into a more broad global Powersports brand.
Have a good weekend - I hope you go for a ride somewhere!
Robert Pandya
------------------------------------------------------------------------
News Release
Polaris Industries Media Contact: Marlys Knutson
2100 Highway 55 Phone: 763/542-0533
Medina, MN 55340-9770 marlys.knutson@polarisind.com
Investor Contact: Richard Edwards
Phone: 763/513-3477
richard.edwards@polarisind.com
POLARIS TO REALIGN MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS
Realignment expected to improve long-term competitive positioning resulting from logistical and
production cost savings while expediting delivery times
MINNEAPOLIS (May 20, 2010) - In an effort to improve its long-term competitive positioning, increase
operational efficiencies and position the company for future growth, Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) today announced plans to realign its operations and refocus on its core strategic manufacturing processes. The Company will create manufacturing centers of excellence for Polaris Products by enhancing the existing Roseau, Minn. and Spirit Lake, Iowa, production facilities and establishing a new facility in Mexico.
The Company is currently evaluating several possible locations in the Monterrey/Saltillo area of
Mexico for the new facility. The realignment will lead to the eventual sale or closure of Polaris' Osceola,
Wisconsin manufacturing operations over time. The realignment allows the Company to dedicate capital for strategic investments in painting, welding and assembly operations by outsourcing certain non-strategic component manufacturing processes. The Mexico facility is expected to maintain Polaris' industry leading quality while improving the Company's on-time delivery to customers and provide significant savings in logistical and production costs.
"While this was a difficult decision for us, given the impact on our employees at the Osceola
facility, we believe the creation of these manufacturing centers of excellence will strengthen our company over the long-term and enable us to maintain our lead in a competitive market," said Scott Wine, CEO, Polaris Industries Inc. "Pursuing opportunities in new markets outside the United States, while concurrently evaluating our cost structure to improve our long-term competitive positioning are key components to our growth strategy. This decision was based on a thorough review of our worldwide operations and will allow us to improve our ability to meet the quality, delivery and cost standards desired by our dealers and customers."
The realignment of Polaris' manufacturing footprint will strengthen the Company's position in
the powersports industry, as it will enable Polaris to have production facilities closer to customers in the
southern United States and global markets the Company currently serves or expects to serve in the future. When the manufacturing realignment is completed the Company will have capabilities to manufacture ORVs (both ATVs and side-by-side vehicles), which represents more than two-thirds of the Company's sales, in multiple locations depending on customer demand.
Snowmobile assembly will remain in the Roseau facility and Victory motorcycle assembly will
remain in the Company's Spirit Lake facility. As part of the manufacturing realignment, certain Osceola
manufacturing processes will be moved into the Roseau, Spirit Lake and Mexico facilities to more effectively utilize Company resources. In addition, certain manufacturing processes and equipment are intended to be sold to suppliers whom will continue to supply components to Polaris. Other non-strategic component manufacturing operations currently performed in the Osceola facility will be outsourced. The realignment will begin immediately and is scheduled to be complete in 2012. The Company will look to have the new production facility in Mexico operational beginning in the first half of 2011.
Polaris is currently in negotiations with several suppliers to sell certain non-strategic component
manufacturing processes and equipment in the Osceola facility. If successful, Polaris' intent is that the
suppliers will continue to manufacture these components in the current Osceola location. Polaris will operate
the Osceola manufacturing facilities during the transition period. Upon completion of the transition, Polaris
will provide the affected employees severance benefits and work closely with the Wisconsin Department of
Labor and other state and local agencies to offer employment assistance and other services.
The Company expects to record pretax transition charges to its income statement in the range of
$20 million to $25 million and incur capital expenditures up to $35 million over the next few years related to
the implementation of the manufacturing realignment. The Company expects the Osceola facility exit costs,
comprising largely of one-time employee termination benefits, to amount to approximately a third of the total
transition charges, while the start-up costs related to the new Mexico facility and other centers of excellence
will comprise the balance. Transition charges to be incurred in calendar year 2010 are expected to be in the
range of $8 to $10 million. The Company's current earnings guidance of earnings per share of $3.48 to $3.60
for the full year 2010 will not change as a result of this announcement. The realignment is expected to
generate pre-tax costs and expense savings in excess of $30 million on an annual basis when the transition has
been completed. The Company expects to begin realizing some of the cost savings as early as 2011.
...
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Tourer
Posts: 523 seattle, wa | The highlighted part says the "assembly" will remain in Spirit Lake, while certain Osceola "manufacturing" processes will be moved to Roseau, Spirit Lake, and Mexico.
I could be wrong but I thought I saw in the original statement that the Victory Motorcycle engine was going to be manufactured down in Mexico.
It's a touchy subject and we will all find out the truth soon enough. I hope that the engine is manufactured and assembled here in the states. I know there are many foreign parts in everything that is "Made in America", but I prefer to keep it to a minimum. |
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Tourer
Posts: 575 Spirit Lake IA "Birthplace of Victory Motorcycles" | http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/4/6993/Motorcycle-Article/Victory-Mov... |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 11
| Jedi Jeff - 2010-05-21 2:03 PM
Robert Pandya (their marketing/PR agent) gave me the following words followed by the OFFICIAL News Release.
I wanted to clarify that Victory Freedom V-Twin engines ? a proprietary and original design for the Victory brand - will be moved to the Spirit Lake, Iowa, USA plant in 2011. This will in fact put Victory production and assembly at one facility greatly assisting in production timing and response.
Read the follow up: production and assembly at one facility. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1117 Northeast Ohio | I work for a global company, HQ'd in beautiful Downtown, Cleveland OH. However, we have operations all over the world. I understand Polaris' decision to do this. My daily driver, a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, seems like "an American car." However, further research shows that, it too, is manufactured and assembled in Mexico. Ford did this to have a more central place to distribute the car. Having said this, where do you draw the line with "Made in the USA?" Sure, Honda makes the US version of the Accord right here in Ohio.... But ultimately the money goes back to the mothership in Japan. My ONLY concern is the potential displacement of folks in the Osceola plant. Polaris, I know it comes down to economics, but take care of those folks. They helped to make you the company you are today. Relocation packages or good, long-term severance packages to get these folks thru the troubled economy would be the right thing to do. Sure you have shareholder value to prove. Stand up for what is right and you will gain a lot of respect in every community. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 118 Spfld, IL but temp Bay area, CA | After all this discussion, it appears our bikes and motors will continue to be built in the US. Like many here, the fact that Victorys were US built and not H-D, was the prime factor in buying Vics. I had been a Dodge truck guy for years but needed to upgrade to at least 3/4 ton for towing this past winter. You cannot find a Dodge diesel 2500 or 3500 that is NOT made in Mexico. I ended up getting an F250. My mom was looking at new cars and we thought the Fusion hybrid would be a great idea-but made in Mexico so no way we would buy that. I would much rather purchase a US built Toyota or Honda than a Mexican built so called American brand. I'm glad I have my US built 03 TC and 08 Vison. If Vic ever does move production to any country other than the US or Canada, they will flat lose any chance of selling me a new bike. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 45 San Antonio Texas | So, in this economy the move will put a huge burden on Wisconsin. Now I understand that Wisc. has brought much of this on themselves. However, Polaris should have stayed north of the Rio Grande!!! I am sure that many towns and areas in Texas would have given breaks for a new factory.
Bottom line: My hard-earned money and I spend it as I wish. I am going to re-think my future motorcycle purchase. I finally have a good downpayment saved. It took me over a year to do so. Do I want that to go towards Victory so that that division's profits fuel a new plant in Mexico? Not an existing plant, but a brand new facility from the ground up.
So, the engine and bike will be ASSEMBLED in Iowa. Probably from parts cast and finished in Mexico. I don't mind the move as much as the huge workforce that is being shafted.
I guess I will look at other touring bikes and make a hard decision. I love the Vision. Best I have ridden.
However, is that worth the unemployment line for others. No, my one purchase cannot stop the move. However, it may make me feel better.
For all of you with a Victory, and those thinking of purchasing a Victory please think long and hard on your choice. I know I will.
JB
Edited by lonestarmedic 2010-05-22 1:17 PM
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Cruiser
Posts: 152 Litchfield Park, AZ | lonestarmedic,
If this move has made you re-think Victory, then what are you going to move to? No other mass producer on the planet has as much American parts and assembly as the Victory motorcycle brand. You gonna buy Honda, Yamaha, Harley? none are as much American as Victory.....or are you going to build it yourself? |
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Visionary
Posts: 3773 Pittsburgh, PA | phoenix9 - 2010-05-22 3:45 PM
lonestarmedic,
If this move has made you re-think Victory, then what are you going to move to? No other mass producer on the planet has as much American parts and assembly as the Victory motorcycle brand. You gonna buy Honda, Yamaha, Harley? none are as much American as Victory.....or are you going to build it yourself?
if he and others want to leave before of a work force being moved and someone says well they all do it.. then i guess they next standard too look for if not "american made" would be how many local shops and SERVICE... is there any brand out there that has More dealers than victory? or more accessories in Stock along with oem parts? who would that be? (IF) victory even removed their Americans from the work force then i would go for who would have my back if i broken down in the middle of no where. withiout having to find a dealer 100 + miles away |
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