Harley-Davidson, at 115 years old, is still a billion dollar company, and by far, the biggest motorcycle company in America.
But times change, and now Harley’s CEO Matt Levatich says it’s time to innovate.
“Recently we shared with the world our accelerated plans to build the next generation of Harley-Davidson riders globally. This new R&D facility in the heart of Silicon Valley will help us deliver on those plans and demonstrate our commitment to lead the electrification of the sport.”
The new Silicon Valley R&D center, which is slated to open by the end of this year, will function as a satellite facility for Harley-Davidson’s current production facility in Wisconsin.
The facility’s initial focus will consist of electric vehicle research and development including battery, power electronics and electric vehicle design, development and advanced manufacturing.
Levatich said earlier this year that Harley would create an Electric Vehicle by August 2019, and elaborated on that announcement by teasing a lineup of electric scooters, light motorcycles and bicycles.
The company has already started hiring for the facility, which it says it plans to open in the fourth quarter of this year. Its careers website says it’s currently hiring for electrical, mechanical and software engineers, as well as people to work in advanced manufacturing, program management and supply chain, in Silicon Valley.