Harley Davidson | featured news

Harley-Davidson is more than just an iconic American brand. It is also a surprisingly good reflection of the forces shaping the U.S. economy as a whole. The motorcycle company reported its fourth quarter earnings Tuesday, and the details show a firm that is as typically American as the roaring sound of a hog on the highway.

Sarah Palin rumbled through Washington on the back of a Harley as she and her family began an East Coast tour Sunday that renewed speculation the former Alaska governor would join the still unsettled Republican presidential contest.

Harley-Davidson said Chief Financial Officer Tom Bergmann is leaving the company to seek other career opportunities.

Losses overseas and another round of weak earnings reports pushed U.S. stocks lower. Capital One and Harley Davidson sank.

Harley-Davidson said it will cut about 1,100 jobs over the next two years, as the motorcycle builder posted a 58% fall in net income following continued woes in its financial-services unit and slumping demand.