Are Dealers Obsolete?
The September issue’s big ask caused a #FlashbackFriday moment back when Mark Rodgers asked Harley Exec Jerry Wilke if dealers were obsolete back in 2021. “Tesla sells direct to consumers. Carvana, Vroom… they’ve almost guaranteed a dealer-free experience. Setting franchise laws aside, is today’s dealer distribution model obsolete?”
Wilke would know… If there were a motorcycle business on Mount Rushmore, he would be on it, asserts Rodgers. “He played a crucial leadership role at Harley-Davidson for more than 35 years. He participated in important Harley-Davidson milestones including the buyback, the formation of the Harley Owners Group, and the record-breaking sales years up to and after the 100th anniversary.”
So what did Jerry Wilke say about dealers four years ago? Tune in here.
