McCanns appointed for Harley-Davidson brief
Harley-Davidson has appointed McCann Erickson Communications House in Solihull as its lead agency in the UK. The decision was announced following a four-way pitch against unnamed agencies.
The announcement has been made in preparation for the launch of a new range of models in 2007. McCanns has been tasked with delivering an integrated communications campaign to coincide with the launch.
As well as handling marketing activity for Harley-Davidson, McCanns has been briefed with producing the UK campaigns for the firm\'s American Sport Bike brand Buell Motorcycles. The brand is looking to emulate its success in the US, so has challenged McCanns to create awareness of Buell in the UK.
Paul Stroud, managing director for Harley-Davidson and Buell, said: \"This is a very important time for both the Buell and Harley-Davidson brands. We have undertaken an unprecidented amount of product development and innovation which will maintain our continued growth in the UK market.
\"To help support this activity we wanted to bring on board an agency capable of delivering a highly creative and totally integrated communication campaign that does justice to these great brands.\"
Stroud joined the Oxford-based Motorcycle company in October 2005, taking over from Mike Kennedy, who returned to the US to take on a new role with Harley-Davidson Motor Company. Previously, Stroud was European director of sales and marketing for MG Rover.
Commenting on his ambitions for the brand, Stroud remarked: \"The brand has tremendous following, and I am keen to get to know our customers and dealers.
\"Working with our dealer network, I want to bring the Harley-Davidson experience to an even wider audience.”