It back-end loads the full (year) shipment increase. Now, (second-half) shipments will have to be an aggressive 9-11 percent (higher) to stay within ... guidance.

We don't think the increase of 10% in sales represents a trend that we will see for the full year. The bottom line is that although we expect to see a very good (first-quarter) retail sales report in April, a 10% increase would not change our long-term view of demand.

We expect to hear that Harley-Davidson sales were up nicely during the quarter since we had known that January and February sales were up 10%.

I was surprised, really. I really thought they would try to come up with an alternative [bid]. But I definitely think his strained relationship with the financial community hurt his bargaining position.