Harley-Davidson recently announced the opening of its new Asia Pacific headquarters during an event held at its new regional office in Singapore. The region office had been based at The Motor Company’s global headquarters in Milwaukee.

"This office is brick and mortar proof of Harley-Davidson’s commitment to the Asia Pacific region and to introducing the brand’s ideals of individuality and self-expression to more customers here," said Matt Levatich, Harley president and chief operating officer, during the grand opening ceremony. "We are excited to be opening this new office because now we are in a better position to support the growing number of customers across this region who are eager to take part in the unique Harley-Davidson experience."

Harley-Davidson is not new to the Asia Pacific region. Its globe trotting founders realized the importance of international markets soon after the company was founded in 1903. Harley-Davidson archives note sales to Japan as early as 1912, and Australia is home to the oldest continuously operating Harley-Davidson dealership outside of the US, established in 1918.

"We have a rich history in the region and this hub will help continue the storyline by bringing us closer to our customers and better able to make their dreams a reality," said Dave Foley, vice president and managing director, Harley-Davidson Asia Pacific.

Harley’s strategic growth plans include opening new markets and expanding in existing ones. The bike maker expects that retail sales of new Harley-Davidson motorcycles outside of the U.S. will exceed 40 percent of the company’s total sales by 2014. In 2010, international retail sales were 35.5 percent of the company’s total unit volume, with the Asia Pacific region accounting for 9.4 percent of Harley’s retail volume.

For more information, visit Harley-Davidson’s website at www.harley-davidson.com.