Harley-Davidson announced its first dealer in mainland China today, Beijing Feng Huo Lun (FHL).

Operating as Beijing Harley-Davidson, the dealership will offer Harley motorcycles, related products and after-sales service.

Beijing Harley-Davidson will have an initial staff of 14. The dealership is located on the Fourth Ring Road, just outside the downtown area in northeast Beijing. The dealership is headed by FHL founder, owner and Executive Director Wan Jidong, who has more than 10 years' experience selling and servicing imported heavyweight and premium motorcycles, and is described as having a passion for riding motorcycles.

The new dealer will celebrate its official grand opening in early April with festivities at the dealership including an event for Chinese-talking bikers.

In addition to motorcycle sales and service, the dealer will offer rider training, organized rides and events. The dealer currently has a large riders' club in Beijing.

Harley-Davidson has indicated that it expects market entry into China to be a gradual process. According to the Company, the leisure-oriented market for premium, heavyweight motorcycles is just beginning to emerge in China, with market development limited by ownership and riding restrictions in most large cities and on highways, and by limited but growing disposable income. Harley-Davidson's long-term strategy in China seeks to address the riding restrictions over time and to help lead the development of a leisure-oriented heavyweight motorcycle market as consumer buying power grows.

All you Hog riders will now have to get you one of those Beijing Harley Davidson t-shirts.

Labels: China Harley Davidson Dealerships