Harley dealers blast Indian Motorcycle over attack ad targeting CEO Artie Starrs being from a pizza company
Harley-Davidson dealers are accusing rival Indian Motorcycle of engaging in “attack-based marketing” after the company posted an advertisement mocking CEO Artie Starrs — a move that has fueled speculation about whether a broader anti-Harley social media campaign is benefiting the competitor.The controversy erupted after Indian Motorcycle posted a commercial on Instagram that opened by noting Harley-Davidson had hired “a CEO from a pizza company,” referring to Starrs’ previous role as CEO of Pizza Hut.The ad also criticized Harley’s electric-motorcycle strategy, overseas manufacturing and past diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.The commercial landed as conservative influencer Robby Starbuck and UFC fighter Sean Strickland have intensified criticism of Harley-Davidson, urging riders to abandon the iconic Milwaukee motorcycle maker over what they characterize as the company’s embrace of “woke” corporate policies.Harley dealers told the Milwaukee Business Journal that the timing of its rival’s ad campaign and the broader social-media attacks raised questions about whether the efforts were connected.“The personal attacks on Starrs are below-the belt,” Jeff Binkert, president of House of Harley-Davidson in Greenfield, told the Business Journal.“Regardless of who created them, I believe the motorcycle industry is best served when manufacturers compete on products, innovation, dealer support and customer experience — not personal attacks,” Binkert said.Indian Motorcycle’s ad contrasted Starrs with its own CEO Mike Kennedy, describing Kennedy as “a lifetime industry veteran and an avid motorcycle rider.”Kennedy, a former Harley executive, told the Milwaukee Business Journal last month that recent turnover in the company’s executive ranks presented an opportunity for Indian to gain market share.“There’s short-term vulnerability there,” Kennedy said.
“We think there’s significant market share to be gained.”The ad ap...