Trump Trade War Hits Harley Davidson, Wisconsin

This week marks the first in which American motorcycle icon Harley-Davidson has to face stiff trade tariffs in EU markets. It’s a move that’s being called a retaliation to Trump administration tariffs on European aluminum and steel that sees a 25% import tariff on large motorcycles coming from the US.

“Large”, in this case, references motorcycles whose engines displace 500cc or more. That means the new 25% tax will hit both Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycles, but won’t impact electric brands like Zero. To quote Asphalt and Rubber, “the (EU) is adding the 25% tariff to the goods that fall under HS code 87114000 & 87115000 on the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System,” which state:

• 87114000: Motorcycles, incl. mopeds, with reciprocating internal combustion piston engine of a cylinder capacity > 500 cm3 but <= 800 cm3
• 87115000: Motorcycles, incl. mopeds, with reciprocating internal combustion piston engine of a cylinder capacity > 800 cm3

There is speculation that this move is intended to specifically target Harley-Davidson, rather than Indian.Harley has received some Trump flavored love recently, and just so happens to be based in Wisconsin. Wisconsin is the home of Paul Ryan, the Speaker of the House of US Representatives and Republican Party big shot. Harley sold roughly 40,000 motorcycles in Europe last year compared to a handful of Indian bikes as that company still seems focused on building out its US-based business.

What do you guys think? Is the EU specifically targeting a GOP stronghold and a largely conservative base of Harley customers with this move, or is Harley just getting caught in the crossfire of a bigger issue? Is “Trump Flavored Love” the worst thing Stormy Daniels you’ve had to think of today, or do you kind of like the sound of it? Let us know your thoughts on these and other pressing matters of national importance in the comments section at the bottom of the page.

Trump Flavored Love

Sources | Images: the EU, via Asphalt and Rubber.

Alt-Fuel Powered Wisconsin Smart Fleet Centered On Oshkosh

The Wisconsin Smart Fleet was formed to ID state government and private business vehicle fleets that could benefit from alt-fueled vehicles. Already the project has found 29 participants in different regions of the state, with over 10% of partners located in the city of Oshkosh.

Oshkosh, Wisconsin is home to around 66,000 people, and it can already be considered an early adopter of alternative fueled vehicles. The city already uses compressed natural gas to fuel city garbage and recycling trucks, plus Winnebago County has eight police squad cars that are fueled by propane. Given that the squad cars are propane powered, propane filling stations have been installed on major highways in the area.

The cost benefit of switching to alternatives fuels is already paying off.  In 2011 diesel and gasoline cost Oshkosh approximately $900,120. In 2013, the city spent $878,300 on gasoline, diesel, and natural gas.  The 2013 projection is expected to fall to $850,000 in 2014. These are substantial savings for a city of this size, and showcase how alt-fuels can really benefit municipalities.

The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh has been a strong supporter of the Wisconsin Smart Fleet, and is already home to a growing number of alternative and flex fueled vehicles on their campus. For the University the focus is on spending less money on fuel and lowering the Universities carbon footprint. Lowing the carbon footprint makes the University stand out to environmentally minded students and applicants, and the savings on fuel overtime can be passed on to students and tax payers. It’s also a neat bragging point to bring up at alumni events.

The Wisconsin Smart Fleet project will analyze, provide guidance, and rate vehicle fleets – the less conventional fuel used the better the ranking. By 2015 program is expected be open to all business and towns/cities with fleets larger than three vehicles. The Wisconsin Smart Fleet project has the potential to be a useful template that other states and municipalities can follow as a way to save money on the ever-increasing price of fuel.

Source: Post Crescent