Harley-Davidson Social Environment

A. Societal Environment1. Economic

As mentioned above, the economy downtime in the United States has affected the sales of Harley-Davidsons motorcycles in 2007. With low interest rates, increasesin the price of gas, and increases in unemployment; these economic uncertainties have led the company to make a decision of reducing their production and shipment until the economy recovers. On the other hand, the international retail sales of Harley-Davidson have increased 13.7 percent in 2007. Compared to the figures in 2006, Harley-Davidsons production sales have increased 15.0 percent in Europe, retail sales have increased 3.6 percent in Japan, retail sales have increased 9.4 percent in Canada, and 23.7 percent from the combination of the rest of the international markets

2. Technological. Due to fast-pace speed in the world of technology,
Political-legalDue to Environmental authorities in Federal, State, and Local levels of government, environmental laws to monitor and control air, water, noise, and fuel pollution have forced Harley-Davidson to implement environmental practices throughouttheir company. It is certified by the US Environmental Protection Agency to comply with applicable emission and noise stands in manufacturing motorcycles. Harley-Davidson is also complying with the State of California Air Resources Board(CARB) to meet the requirements for emission standards. Therefore, investing inHarley-Davidsons Research and Development Team enables the company to develop products to minimize air pollution and reduce the generation of wastewater and solid waste throughout the manufacturing process. In addition, Harley-Davidson emphasizes a paperless environment, minimizing paper usage within the company.According to the safety helmet law of 1966 and complying with the universal helmet law of 1992, Harley-Davidson requires motorcycle renters and their passengers to sign an agreement promising to wear a country-approved helmet when riding