HARLEY-DAVIDSON has launched its first wholly-owned subsidiary on Switzerland.

It is now taking direct responsibility for the distribution, marketing and day-to-day management of the Harley-Davidson and Buell brands.

John Russell, managing director of Harley-Davidson Europe, said: 'Sales of Harley-Davidson products continue to grow in Europe and during the first quarter of this year we recorded a 15.3% increase in motorcycle sales, so it is the right time for us to be increasing our investment and resources in the leading marketplaces.'