Can you please help me with a response to this. How do i answer to this? $(1$a$)$ FAST FORWARD FROM THE $1990$s TO THE PRESENT: WHAT MAJOR MISTAKE DID HARLEY DAVIDSON MAKE IN ITS MARKETING STRATEGY THAT LED THIS COMPANY$$S SALES AND PROFITS TO STAGNATE IN THE $1980$s$?$ JUSTIFY YOUR DECISION BY OFFERING SOLID RATIONALE IN DEFENSE OF YOUR THOUGHTS. $($I$$LL PROVIDE A HINT$$BUT COULD WELL RISK GIVING THE ANSWER AWAY$$THUS$,$ NOT ALLOWING YOU TO THINK IT THROUGH YOURSELF. EVEN SO$,$ IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THEIR TARGET MARKET AND THE $$STEREOTYPICAL$$ HARLEY DAVIDSON BUYER.$)$

Harley Davidson, a well$-$known motorcycle manufacturer, suffered a major setback in the $1980$s$,$ owing to a crucial flaw in its marketing approach, which focused on its target demographic and the conventional Harley Davidson buyer. The company's primary failure during this period was its narrow concentration on catering solely to its existing client base, which was defined by the stereotypical Harley Davidson buyer $-$ typically older, white, and male riders. This focus on a single demographic hampered Harley$-$Davidson's capacity to react to changing market trends and reach out to new client categories, resulting in stagnant sales and earnings.

During the $1980$s$,$ Harley$-$Davidson faced the consequences of failing to consider the changing demographics and interests of motorcycle fans. While the traditional Harley Davidson buyer stayed loyal to the brand, the company's unwillingness to expand its client base resulted in missed possibilities for expansion and innovation. Ignoring the broader market landscape and rising demand from younger riders, women, and minorities harmed Harley Davidson's long$-$term success.

In addition to its small target market, Harley$-$Davidson suffered with product innovation and quality difficulties throughout this time. The company's reluctance to spend in R&D to improve the performance, durability, and technology of their motorcycles alienated potential customers looking for new features.

To support this conclusion, consider the larger market dynamics and competitive landscape that Harley Davidson faced in the $1980$s$.$ Rival motorcycle manufacturers, both domestic and international, took advantage of emerging trends and broadened their product offers to appeal to a larger audience. Japanese manufacturers, in particular, increased market share by developing high$-$quality, dependable motorcycles that appealed to a wider range of customers.

In response to these issues, Harley$-$Davidson made a significant shift in its marketing strategy in the late $1980$s and early $1990$s$.$ The corporation saw the need to expand its appeal outside its conventional client base and launched campaigns to recruit younger riders, women, and minorities. Harley Davidson introduced new models aimed at these populations, invested in marketing campaigns that promoted inclusivity and diversity, and prioritized product quality and innovation.

Overall, Harley Davidson made a significant blunder in the $1980$s by failing to adjust its marketing strategy to changing consumer preferences and demographics. By focusing solely on its traditional customer base, the company missed out on prospects for expansion and innovation. However, by admitting its flaws and accepting change, Harley$-$Davidson was able to reinvigorate its brand and reclaim its place as a leading force in the motorcycle business in the following decades.

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$(1$b$)$ IF YOU WERE THE VP OF MARKETING, WHAT MARKETING STRATEGIES WOULD YOU DEVISE TO INCREASE ITS HD$$s CUSTOMER BASE $($NUMBER OF BUYERS$)$ WITH THE OBJECTIVE TO INCREASE SALES, MARKET SHARE AND, IN THE PROCESS, PROFITS? JUSTIFY YOUR DECISION BY OFFERING SOLID RATIONALE IN SUPPORT OF YOUR SUGGESTIONS.

As Vice President of Marketing at Harley Davidson, my goal would be to develop strategies for boosting the company's customer base, sales, market share, and profitability. To attain this goal, I would take a multidimensional approach that considers the changing requirements and tastes of many consumer segments. To begin, I would urge that Harley Davidson broaden its product options in order to appeal to a larger audience. This would include releasing a variety of motorbikes targeted to diverse riding styles, skill levels, and demographics, such as smaller displacement bikes for first$-$time riders, adventure bikes for off$-$road enthusiasts, and electric motorcycles for environmentally aware customers. By expanding its product line, Harley Davidson may reach new market groups and attract a more diverse client base.

Second, addressing growing groups, such as younger riders, women, and minorities, is critical to generating future growth. I would create focused marketing campaigns for these demographic groups, using channels like social media, influencers, and community events. By actively interacting with growing populations and highlighting the Harley Davidson brand's inclusivity and diversity, we can widen our appeal