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Puddle Jumper
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Albertville Mn | I am going to stand up for MADE IN AMERICA and boycott Polaris. I will let them know how I feel and would encourage everyone else that feels the same way to do the same. Its time to stand up for Americans and our jobs before every thing is outsourced to other counties. Ask yourself this question. When will your job get out sourced ? Here is the email address for Victory victorymailbag@polarisind.com I am going to let them know that I have been a Polaris rider/owner since I was 10. My first Polaris product was a used 1969 Polaris Colt snowmobile. Since then I have bought a lot of new snowmobiles, a four wheeler and three Victory's (over a $100,000 worth)not to mention the used Polaris products that I have bought since that first Polaris colt snowmobile. I had planed on a new Polaris Rush snowmobile in the next year, a Polaris RZR in a couple years and at some point a new Victory soon after that but as of now I have scrapped those Ideas and will switch to other brands. So join Me and stick up for America and for its workers! Spread the word and let them know your disappointed. And yes i know that there are a few of the parts that are not made in America but after all of the hype that Polaris created about the American Made Liberty engines and then to even think about moving them out of the Us is wrong. I know they haven't said where they plan to move the engine production to exactly yet but it sure sounds like mexico is where they plan on moving it to. Feel free to copy this post to other Victory websites other then this one. Lets make a stand! |
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Visionary
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Brighton, TN | I can sort of understand your Rant, but not knowing enough about it, I'm unsure of your reasoning.
Prime example, from a worker in Detroit at one of the big three, he doesn't work during the week like he can, he waits till the weekend to collect his weekend pay and his sunday double pay. Now just doing the math, if the worker is already making $80 an hour regular time, for assembly job work, and then pay him time and a half for Saturday, and the double for Sunday. I'm not sure that I wouldn't be headed to Mexico myself. I now know why my new vehicle price exceeds what I barely made in a year in the military.
Now is that the problem there, I don't know, it is just an example. But if the almighty dollar is what makes your little world go round, and you could save a lot of MILLIONS, what would you do? |
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Visionary
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Pittsburgh, PA | I understand what yours saying.. and it sounds like you surely have the right to do this.. you spent ALOT of $$$ on polaris products! I may be wrong is saying this.. i feel alot of people might be upset because they were sold into the AMERICAN motorcycle theme. The ability to purchase an American made motorcycle without buying a HD.. alot have put up with a crappy dealer network and even some crappy dealers themselves! They did this to be able to say they had an American product out side of the Norm.. (not all but some) Im not a HD fan. but i sure do like their dealer network. now i know HD has alot of outsourced parts as well. but they make up for it in serivce and dealers everywhere you look. where i live there are so many HD dealers i could go to a different one every day of the week with in 60 miles. I like my vision. I ve been VERY proud of buying an american bike in a time of a fragile U.S. economy. But if its just going to be like every other motorcycle maker out there then this RE-opens my choices all over again for my Next motorcycle... |
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Puddle Jumper
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Albertville Mn | While I agree that $80 an hour is a lot of money to build a car, they have cut back in Detroit and reduced there wages so that they could keep the big three going. They also have layed off a lot of people (tens of thousands). So I guess My reasoning is that the people in the Osceola plant don't make anywhere near the eighty dollars an hour that the Detroit people made and I have been proud to own The New American Motorcycle not The New Mexican Motorcycle. We already have too many things that are made in other counties especially china, now they want to take our Newest American Motorcycle to another country? Whats next? When will it stop? What will be left here and Who will buy it? Thats MY Reasoning, the next thing you know they will out source our military but i suppose that would be ok to since no Americans would die for Freedom. Maybe our Freedom will be out sourced next. |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | PP, I too appreciate your effort. I would die for our freedom, but much of what is going today started before you and were born. I'm trying to figure out how to boycott Victory but for the life of me I just don't how my friend. Do I buy my next set of tires from the Honda dealer? Your venting on the subject is what must of us do and in the scheme of things the wheels are turning that a boycott alone just won't change. We the people needs to change... |
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Puddle Jumper
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Albertville Mn | Varyder your right but if you don't start somewhere you might as well give up right now if you haven't already. |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | rest assure I've not given up but what do you hope to accomplish. I could go into how I support the American economy, but what do I prove? I'm not in Polaris Hq, so I don't know why they've made the business decision the did. If I get that hung up on it, I'll get me an Indian next go around, an old 1943 one! |
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Visionary
Posts: 3773
Pittsburgh, PA | varyder - 2010-05-21 8:46 AM
PP, I too appreciate your effort. I would die for our freedom, but much of what is going today started before you and were born. I'm trying to figure out how to boycott Victory but for the life of me I just don't how my friend. Do I buy my next set of tires from the Honda dealer? Your venting on the subject is what must of us do and in the scheme of things the wheels are turning that a boycott alone just won't change. We the people needs to change...
So well put.... I did alot of venting lastnight because of this subject.. I felt betrayed? Or maybe just let down by what i thought was the last True American company.. everyone has to admit. we have alot of Pride in out Victorys.. Maybe my "VISIONS" pun intended of Victory were just that... My visions and not the true story of what the company stood for in the first place? Maybe im at fault for making Victory "in my head" something bigger than what it really is? Maybe victorys not to blame, maybe we are? For assuming things based on something maybe we Needed to believe? Ive only been riding for 18-19 years, and this is my First american made bike. So for me i had that warm and fuzzy feeling as i pulled away from the dealership. I felt as it i did something right? ( of course while completely loving the bike) but it was more than just liking the Product you purchased, it was about supporting a greater cause. Or maybe once again thats all just in my head and nothing but a myth in this day and age? on this next sentence im not ranting.. but for my next motorcycle it will not be based on An "American product" as that seems to be a thing of the past and maybe has been all this time.. (whens the new 6 speed 2000cc gold wing coming out?) LOL joking.. |
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Tourer
Posts: 523
seattle, wa | Arkainzeye - 2010-05-21 6:58 AM
varyder - 2010-05-21 8:46 AM
PP, I too appreciate your effort. I would die for our freedom, but much of what is going today started before you and were born. I'm trying to figure out how to boycott Victory but for the life of me I just don't how my friend. Do I buy my next set of tires from the Honda dealer? Your venting on the subject is what must of us do and in the scheme of things the wheels are turning that a boycott alone just won't change. We the people needs to change...
So well put.... I did alot of venting lastnight because of this subject.. I felt betrayed? Or maybe just let down by what i thought was the last True American company.. everyone has to admit. we have alot of Pride in out Victorys.. Maybe my "VISIONS" pun intended of Victory were just that... My visions and not the true story of what the company stood for in the first place? Maybe im at fault for making Victory "in my head" something bigger than what it really is? Maybe victorys not to blame, maybe we are? For assuming things based on something maybe we Needed to believe? Ive only been riding for 18-19 years, and this is my First american made bike. So for me i had that warm and fuzzy feeling as i pulled away from the dealership. I felt as it i did something right? ( of course while completely loving the bike) but it was more than just liking the Product you purchased, it was about supporting a greater cause. Or maybe once again thats all just in my head and nothing but a myth in this day and age? on this next sentence im not ranting.. but for my next motorcycle it will not be based on An "American product" as that seems to be a thing of the past and maybe has been all this time.. (whens the new 6 speed 2000cc gold wing coming out?) LOL joking..
Exactly how alot of us feel. This will be my first and last Victory. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 15
Albertville Mn | rwilly Let them know that! victorymailbag@polarisind.com |
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Tourer
Posts: 520
Simi Valley, CA | Now changing from The NEW American Motorcycle to FUEL IT! makes sense... |
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Tourer
Posts: 432
Gettysburg, 2008 Tour Premium | Maybe repeal NAFTA. Remember that "giant sucking sound". And they thought Perot was nuts. |
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Tourer
Posts: 523
seattle, wa | PolarisPete - 2010-05-21 7:47 AM
rwilly Let them know that! victorymailbag@polarisind.com
I did. I am pretty disappointed by all this. |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | let's take inventory, as I'm happy to stand with those who make all their purchases to help our economy. Nothing burns me more than someone who brags on their "American" motorcycle, then drive off in a Japanese truck sportin' a sticker of the motorcycle company. |
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Fountain Inn, SC United States | Hang in there boys, a statement from Victory is to us is forthcoming:
http://www.vision-riders.com/bb/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=6083&pos... |
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Tourer
Posts: 400
| PolarisPete,
Where is your information coming from? Is there an article or web story we can read? I can honestly say I would be stunned if Polaris moves anything outside the US. Each year at the AVR, Victory employees and management hear over and over how much it means to the riders that Vic's are made here in the US. Any former GW's change rides after hearing the Wing isn't made in Ohio anymore? |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 11
| According to the other site (VMC) the Victory enginges will be assembled in Spirit Lake IA. The Liberty engines in Roseu MN. Some ATV's ect. will be made in Mexico but those are supposed to be the exports. Who knows I'll wait until Polaris gives a press release and says what's going on. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 600
Linwood, MI | pollolittle - 2010-05-21 9:04 AM
Prime example, from a worker in Detroit at one of the big three, he doesn't work during the week like he can, he waits till the weekend to collect his weekend pay and his sunday double pay. Now just doing the math, if the worker is already making $80 an hour regular time, for assembly job work, and then pay him time and a half for Saturday, and the double for Sunday. I'm not sure that I wouldn't be headed to Mexico myself. I now know why my new vehicle price exceeds what I barely made in a year in the military.
Now is that the problem there, I don't know, it is just an example. But if the almighty dollar is what makes your little world go round, and you could save a lot of MILLIONS, what would you do?
I'm sorry to slightly hijack this thread, but I really feel there needs to be a correction made here. There is no one, and I do mean no one at any of the "Big Three" in Detroit that gets paid an hourly wage of $80/hr. Not even if you add in every single, little, tiny benefit. Not even close, at least if you go by the form I get from my employer every year that lays out my wage and the value of all my beneifits. The figure of $70-80 was first put forth by some think tank as the amount of money that the Big Three paid for labor. This was a sum of all the money they pay out for wages and benefits plus the amount paid for all retirees, divided by the number of current hourly employees. It was our idiot media that picked that up and circulated it as an hourly wage. You want to see an obscene amount of pay? How about Fritz Henderson getting paid $3000/hr by GM? The Republicans tell us that hourly workers need to make "real world wages", like $10/hr, yet the top two executives at each of the Big Three make more than the top 25 Toyota executives combined. What's "real world" about that?
I also take issue with the statement that "he doesn't work during the week like he can, he waits till the weekend to collect his weekend pay and his sunday double pay." First off, the majority of us see very little weekend (overtime) work. The only time we see it when management screws something up during the week and we have to work the weekend to make up for it. Secondly, I don't know what auto plants you're hanging around in, but at my plant we bust ass. You set your pace and then you go. There ain't no time for tom foolery. Most every day I go home exhausted. Are there slackers? Sure, but you show me a work place where there isn't. You poll any work place and there'll be someone that the other workers feel doesn't pull his weight. Just Human nature.
Why does everyone want to shit on the blue collar guy who is working hard and spending his money (usually all of it...) on the American economy instead of getting pissed off at the people who sit isolated in cushy offices and make all the decisions that led us down the path we are on now, all the while collecting pay checks every year that are more than any of us will ever see in our entire lifetimes unless we win some sort of state lottery? |
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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: 492
Indianapolis, IN | Here is the message I sent to the Polaris email address, everyone needs to do the same thing to get the message across. Remember corporate america is motivated by money. They need to understand they are going to orchestrate the end of their company if they go through with this stuff.
"To whom it may concern,
It would be a major mistake on the part of Victory management to move any major manufacturing operations outside the US. Please do a study/survey before making this decision. I'm sure you will find that the "American" brand on this product line is the main reason people have any loyalty at all to the Victory brand. If we see that going away, even in part, mark my words the business will collapse!!"
Come on guys we aren't stirring up trouble, we are just letting them know where their loyal customers stand on this subject.
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Visionary
Posts: 2118
Pitt Meadows, BC Canada | I know this dumb Canuck should stay out of this "Buy American" sentiment. But...
I have lived and worked in the U.S. over my career and have a lot of American friends, and consider Americans to be the most generous and caring of all the world's peoples. BUT....
Americans think like people from an island republic - the only thought that matters is their own. The bad part of that is that we truely live in a "World Economy" now, and 'Made In America' no longer matters. Fact is, almost everything sold in the U.S. has components - major or minor - built in countries all over the planet. So, to me, what matters is using my hard earned money to find the BEST product built that I can afford.
So I bought a Vision - NOT because it was (mostly) built in the U.S.A. - but because it was the best bike EVER (for me).
America sells it's products all over the world. Is it a crime for Americans to spend some of that money buying 'foreign' made products?
Or have Americans given up competing? I hope and pray - NOT !
Instead, be the leader of the new World Economy. |
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Tourer
Posts: 523
seattle, wa | I would prefer to support my countrys people before I support China/Russia/Africa/Mexico..... |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | I'll say this and be done with this thread. (do I hear applause).
Without making a big deal about it, I believe I've support the US economy very well as I spend a lot, I mean I waste a lot of money on stuff. Never been rich, but I just can't keep a dollar. I'm not good at doing my homework so I can't tell you all the ins and outs of where every dollar I spend at what store, or on what product. I've bought one other brand new motorcycle in my life and it was a Honda CB750 and I loved that bike as well. I bought it from a Honda motorcycle dealer in Fayetteville, NC and I'm sure some of the money went back to the mothership Honda. But the dealer had to keep on lights, and pay employees who bought stuff in the local area I'm sure from some of the money in that transaction. I paid interest back to the American bank that gave me the loan and so on. Years ago I drove a Datsun pickup and that ways one of my most favorite vehicles. It was bought used so all the dollars spent on it new went back to mother Datsun years before I bought it. But I'm sure the salesman that sold it to me as well as the dealer used the money right there in Winchester, Va to keep the economy flowing. The only new foreign car I've bought was a toyota corolla in 1999 for my wife and all the blah blah about where the money went applies. All my other vehicles new or used have been American, from Ford to Jeep, or Chrysler. Other stuff include HP computers, Levi jeans, and few other american mainstays. But I do have a sharp tv, sony camcorder and probably a few other electronics from outside the U.S. bought at local stores. But I tend to gravitate toward solid products with dependability, not necessarily how much cheaper they are or where they are from. I'm not trying say yea/nay either way, but I'd have to do some house cleaning and solid research to make sure NONE of my dollars went outside of American, but is that what we are talking about? I'm like Songfan, I don't think I'll be buying any new Victory anytime soon, and suppose if Victory did go to Mexico to build the entire bike, I wouldn't get rid of my Vision. And let's suppose someone tried to bag me on riding a Victory that was made in Mexico, I'd say not mine, except for the fuel pump that was made in China. And lets suppose my Victory needed more replacement parts and they all were made in Mexico, I'd replace them. I could go on, but my point would be, you'll not see me on an HD because I don't like the feel or the way they ride. I'd be hard pressed to find anything that would ever ride like the Vision, and the only other bike I could see myself is an Indian, but for now, I'm satisfied where I am, and were Victory is.
It's not likely a boycott on anyone would change much if there is other circumstances involved but I'm sure it would make some people feel good.
Edited by varyder 2010-05-21 1:45 PM
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Tourer
Posts: 575
Spirit Lake IA "Birthplace of Victory Motorcycles" | Well said varyder!
I live in Spirit Lake, IA. Sign was up Tue or Wed saying "Now Hiring." Don't see that too often now days. They have been working some serious OT for last couple of months. While I feel bad for the people of Osceola, I am happy to hear that this work is staying in the US." Having Victory production under one roof will help to have a better quality, lower cost bike. I know half the plant is dedicated to ATV's . . . maybe some of this stuff is going to Mexico to make room for engine production?? Just a thought. Boycott Victory? That's kind of silly and would only hurt the hard working blue collar folks that work for this company and I'm sure most of us would agree that we wouldn't want to have to ride anything else. Sounds like a good strategic move that will only strengthen the brand and position it for the future.
Look at the job postings I just found . . . look's like a significant ramping up of production: http://www.indeed.com/q-Polaris-Industries-l-Spirit-Lake,-IA-jobs.h...
And this hit the wires a few minutes ago: http://www.siouxcityjournal.com/business/local/article_40c3954c-650...
Stay tuned! |
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Tourer
Posts: 492
Indianapolis, IN | The news is getting better by the hour! Makes me feel better ;-) |
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Cruiser
Posts: 101
Cold Lake Alberta Canada | As a Canadian I don't feel the same patriotic let down by the resent Polaris announcement. I do know that the world economy is suffering on all sorts of fronts. Try being in the oil busness up here in Canada. I guess the big thing I have to remember is that my bike is an extra in life not an essential part of life. The employees at the plant to be closed I feel deeply for thier loss and hope that Polaris / Victory really tries to relocate or help those that are being left behind. This announcement does not effect my bike or the support system supplied by Victory. I just hope that the company makes the moves that keeps them viable and producing bikes and dealers well into the future.
I do agree that a boycott only hurts the people that you don't want to hurt.
I would take a bit of a lets see what really happens and go (react) from there.
Just my humble opinion.
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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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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Hey, maybe the ATV move to Mexico is to help more illegals cross our borders and thus helping to keep our economy moving... sorry, my sarcasim gets the best of me at times.... |
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Tourer
Posts: 499
Chattanooga, TN | I still love my bike. The Victory brand motorcycles will still be made in the USA. Therefore, I can still be proud that Victory is an American company. Polaris, however, the parent company of Victory is choosing to make some of it's other Polaris products in Mexico. I am disappointed in that, since I believe losing one more facility from our manufacturing base hampers our fragile economic recovery. I wrote them last night and they responded to my email the today. That's being responsive to the needs of the customer. In their response they stated:
"This realignment will create three centers of excellence for manufacturing Polaris Products. We will invest significantly in our Roseau, Minn. and Spirit Lake, Iowa plants, and establish a new manufacturing facility in the Monterrey/Saltillo region of Mexico. Speed of delivery is a key competitive advantage; the Monterrey/Saltillo region of Mexico best meets our needs to be closer to our customers in the southern half of the United States and other emerging markets across the globe. By creating a manufacturing facility closer to a key customer base, we can lessen the impact of rising logistical costs, such as shipping and fuel. Our toughest competitors have moved to lower-cost markets and closer to customers and so must we to ensure the long-term strength and security of this company. But for the same reason that it makes sense to have a facility in Mexico, it also makes sense to keep a strong manufacturing presence in the Midwest, as North America remains our primary market.
As with any change, quality is of the utmost importance and we can assure you this move will be managed and executed so that Polaris maintains or enhances our ability to meet the quality, delivery and cost standards and expectations of our customers. When the realignment is complete, we will have capabilities to manufacture ATVs and Side-by-Side products in multiple locations while snowmobile assembly will remain in Roseau and Victory motorcycle assembly will remain in Spirit Lake. We will use all of the quality systems and tools currently practiced at our operations to ensure market-leading products."
Logistically, if overseas shipping is a part of the equation, consider the proximity of the ocean to Monterrey.
I don't know if most ATV riders must have "Made in America" stamped on theirs, but I'm happy my Victory will still be MADE IN AMERICA.
Baadawg
'08 Blacked Out Vision |
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Posts: 61
| Estallar POLAR |
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Visionary
Posts: 1340
Gainesville Fl Home of the Gators | baadawg - 2010-05-21 8:35 PM
"This realignment will create three centers of excellence for manufacturing Polaris Products. We will invest significantly in our Roseau, Minn. and Spirit Lake, Iowa plants, and establish a new manufacturing facility in the Monterrey/Saltillo region of Mexico. Speed of delivery is a key competitive advantage; the Monterrey/Saltillo region of Mexico best meets our needs to be closer to our customers in the southern half of the United States and other emerging markets across the globe. By creating a manufacturing facility closer to a key customer base, we can lessen the impact of rising logistical costs, such as shipping and fuel. Our toughest competitors have moved to lower-cost markets and closer to customers and so must we to ensure the long-term strength and security of this company. But for the same reason that it makes sense to have a facility in Mexico, it also makes sense to keep a strong manufacturing presence in the Midwest, as North America remains our primary market.
As with any change, quality is of the utmost importance and we can assure you this move will be managed and executed so that Polaris maintains or enhances our ability to meet the quality, delivery and cost standards and expectations of our customers. When the realignment is complete, we will have capabilities to manufacture ATVs and Side-by-Side products in multiple locations while snowmobile assembly will remain in Roseau and Victory motorcycle assembly will remain in Spirit Lake. We will use all of the quality systems and tools currently practiced at our operations to ensure market-leading products."
What a steaming load of crap. Just google the planned location and it is obviuos that the logistics line is a lie. The location is hundreds of miles form the closest coast, and no closer to most Southern states then it current location. The only lines that carry the ring of truth to them are....well it is all crap. Our gov needs to look at how bussiness is taxed out of the country, and take steps to fix it |
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Visionary
Posts: 1350
| It's amazing who will finally get up and rant and rave on misinformation. How much you want to bet not one state would offer Polaris/Victory a tax break UNTIL they stated "we may be looking out of the U.S.of A."? Now instead of giving all the tax breaks to foreign companies they have to look good to their voters and offer a deal.
"before I support China/Russia/Africa/Mexico" Your point? None of those countries bombed Pearl Harbor. O.O China helped the surviving Doolittle Raiders and as "pay back" Japan exterminated 250,000 men, women and children. More than both atomic bombs. Everyone can whistle the tune from "The Bridge over the River Kwai" but can you tell us how many POWs died building it?
The true point is to vote politicians into office that do what we want not what their "bed partners" want. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 725
Reno County, KS | kevinx - 2010-05-24 5:17 AM
Our gov needs to look at how bussiness is taxed out of the country, and take steps to fix it
I thought that was one of Obama's campaign fronts. I seem to recall his plan for taxing companies that were outsourcing in order to negate the benefits of paying less salary. Maybe I misunderstood what he meant... I don't want to turn this into a political rant but I sure haven't heard anything else about this since the election. |
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Cruiser
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Okotoks, Alberta | I have to wonder which vehicle of any type is still 100% made in USA. The US just bailed out the auto makers with billions of cash yet they still build vehicles in Mexico and get parts from all over the world. And dont try to say that Harley is a US bike. They have been running Showa (japan) forks for years, and all the merchandise that they sell (clothing, pots, pans etc) promoting American made is all made elsewhere. Oh I just thought of an All American motorcycle-Indian oh never mind they went broke... again. We live in a Global market might as well get used to it. My 2 cents. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 725
Reno County, KS | farlz - 2010-05-24 9:20 PM
I have to wonder which vehicle of any type is still 100% made in USA. The US just bailed out the auto makers with billions of cash yet they still build vehicles in Mexico and get parts from all over the world. And dont try to say that Harley is a US bike. They have been running Showa (japan) forks for years, and all the merchandise that they sell (clothing, pots, pans etc) promoting American made is all made elsewhere. Oh I just thought of an All American motorcycle-Indian oh never mind they went broke... again. We live in a Global market might as well get used to it. My 2 cents.
Ha ha ha Indian. If I recall correctly, the last guy who tried to resurrect Indian was an Italian businessman. One of the first things that I noticed about my latest new truck was that the window sticker showed it was assembled in Guadelajara (spell?), Mexico. So there I was, feeling like a patriot until... However, quality wise: It could be worse. I could have bought a car made in Korea. I would gladly own a Japanese or Mexican made vehicle over one that was made in Korea, Taiwan, etc. Us guys looking for a purely American-made vehicle have essentually ran out of options unless we are willing to buy an antique or fabricate one. That being said, I have been planning a panhead project for this reason. Really, the only thing left that is 100% American made is the currancy that the US Treasory makes... And I'll bet anyone $1Million of that cash that the automated equipment for making the USD is produced in a foreign country (Wago automation, Allen-Bradly PLC components, etc.). In fact, I can't really think of anyone in the USA that makes electronic components anymore. Motorola, Bell, G.E. etc. used to but then they outsourced as well. |
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Cruiser
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West Bend, WI | An email from Dan at Polaris.....
I know with the HD moving operations from Milw. There were hopes that there would be some heartburn from their customers that would equate to addition Victory sales.
Good News!!!
Victory is not moving to Mexico!! (Never was)
The media did us no service in how they reported the Oceola issue.
If anything it should improve the quality and efficiencies of our product because we are moving the engine assembly to Spirit Lake!!!
Not trucking engines to SL etc. saves costs.
Now the whole bike will be built in Spirit Lake! Specialized focus on Victory only at this plant! No Rangers etc. on an adjoining line.
We need you to get this word out to all!!
I am waiting for a clarified answer in a more concise form fro corporate form and will pass on.
Give me a call and I can explain all of the details on Polaris's decisions.
Thanks, Dan......
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Iron Butt
Posts: 741
Central New York | NOT TO WORRY! When all the "Big Government" types finish having they're way, and we become just another third world cog in the "New World Order", and our labor rates get down to the world minimum wage, maybe $400.00 a year, all these companies will move back. Then we will have our "American Made". Of course we will desire a fancy "Italian" or "German" machine! 
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 20
Middleboro Ma | I believe the "carrot" for all these companies to leave is from Washington. Our elected officals have opened the door for them to leave. Our enviromental laws are so strict that it would be silly to stay. Yet we elected these people as if we would die if they were not there. Still mad---reseach the issues and find a canidate who will not vote the party line but the American line. Then vote 'em out if they do not perform. |
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Tourer
Posts: 400
| I was at a machine demonstration a couple years ago. There was a slide show showing how manufacturing outside the US is not as cheap as it sounds. You have long lead times, you cannot adjust to market and customer demands quickly, quality is not as good, sending management to address production and quality issues is extremely expensive, and last but not least, the workforce both hourly and salary are realizing how underpaid they are so that cost is going up. The anticipation was in 10 years manufacturing would be returning to the US because it will be cheaper. Now here's the kicker, the presentation was done by a Japanese company. |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | your U.S. government is using German software, European vehicles for the Army, outsourced the U.S. ports to foriegn contractors, and I could go on. We'll do well if we get to keep our land... |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1158
Richmond, Virginia | just a thought. lets say 20,000 Americans who own Victory Motorcycles presently read an article about the company moving outside the US and decide that these 20,000 people "boycott" the company. What exactly will these 20,000 men and women who already own the product be boycotting for? 1. Dont buy a bike? you already have one. 2. Dont buy repair parts? fine dont ride your bike ...............
Boycotts are actions initiated by very large groups of individuals who typically want or need the product. For people already settled into the product, the only benefit you are doing is well.............nothing. For those who make rash stupid decisions and think "fine, it pisses me off, and I will just sell my bike....that will teach Polaris",,,, now all you have done is sold the bike you love to someone else who will enjoy it
Boycotts work for companies who sell aspirin, toilet paper, and other items that the public needs REGULARLY, The only message you are sending would be "wow, they dont like this idea,,,,,,,but so what, they already own our product" Boycotting Polaris will in reality only present a couple of issues that none of you will like. 1. higher prices 2. an even longer wait time for parts and accessories.
I know in my own company, if demand (FOR WHATEVER REASON) slows down, then we slow our manufacturing down as well. Before you initiate any type of "boycott" decide if waiting 6 months for a part for your engine is worth it.
Besides no one even said they are moving outside the US. Enjoy your bike, go for a ride, seriously boys and girls we have FAR
FAR greater worries right now then this. Move your passion to something like the oil spill, which will effect each and every one of us. If your only thought so far is "how expensive will my shrimp be", then you have no clue whats going on. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 27
| I ride an HD and hope to be riding a Vision soon. HD out sources alot, including their clothing. Before I would jump to the other foreign mfrs. I would think twice. Look at Honda. They were so proud of the Marysville plant in Ohio and as soon as their economy started to falter what did they do? They closed the Wing line and took it back to Japan. This move wasn't because of quality issues, lack of sales, etc. in my mind they wanted to bolster their economy on home turf and preserve their workforce. Why does a Harley cost $40K+ in Japan? Tariffs. Do we tariff their products...no. I think we should be thankful that HD and Victory are still trying to manufacture as much as possible here in the US. Let's support them and hope it enables Victory to continue to cultivate their dealer network. From everything I've seen in the Victory line (especially the Vision) with respect to design and quality, they are forcing HD and the other lines to continue their quests in improving their bikes. Right now it is a world market and we must try to strengthen our two manufacturers by supporting them and let them know that we are voting with our dollars. Hopefully they will stand up and take note of that. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 18
| Actually Indian has been resurrected and their manufacturing plant is in Kings Mountain, NC. They are owned by Stellican (owners of Chris Craft yachts) and have 2009 and 2010 chiefs and dealers across the country. They make their own engine (PowerPlus 105) but use Brembo Brakes and Baker 6 speed tranny's. They are beautiful bikes, but VERY expensive, especially since they do not have a touring bike (yet).
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | TC I'm a fan and love the styling of the old indian. I spent two hours talking with Mike Moses of the Charlotte dealership and got schooled on the Indian. Very informative man and in those two hours he never once put down another bike, or made the Indian more than what it was. He pointed out though, that they are very careful, and they are selling nostalgia, which seems to be going very well. It is not likely that Indian would ever make a touring bike per se. I asked about lowers and he told me right away it wasn't even an option. He was matter of fact when I told him my yearly mileage that the Vision was the bike to have, not the Indian. However, my ultimate dream bike is either to have an old Indian restored, or one of the King Mountains. When I sat on one at the showroom I was amazed at the fit and feel of the bike and found out the seat sits at 26.7, whereas the Vision is 26.5. Also, the pull back and the controls where perfect for me as well. |
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Tourer
Posts: 400
| Did anybody try to help Polaris when they had to get out of the watercraft market? Did the government step in and tariff Yamaha, Kawasaki, ect to help Polaris stay competitive? Was there an American rally to keep watercrafts made in the US? Polaris gave up on watercraft because they could not compete. Is the government doing anything now to help Polaris with the ATV and side by sides? I see commercials all the time from Honda. Is anyone yelling at the guy driving an import SUV pulling a Honda ATV? Worse yet, is anyone yelling at the guy driving an American truck with UAW stickers, American flag stickers on the bumper, harley davidson sticker on the back window, pulling 2 or 4 Honda ATVs? |
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Boycott Polaris/Victory