Indian Motorcycle’s Bold New Chapter: Independence Under Carolwood LP in 2026

Indian Motorcycle is entering a new era with major strategic changes set for early 2026. Polaris Inc., which has led Indian Motorcycle’s resurgence since 2011, is selling a majority stake in the brand to Carolwood LP, a Los Angeles-based private equity firm. This move will make Indian Motorcycle a standalone company, enabling greater agility and focused leadership to accelerate growth and innovation in the premium motorcycle market.

A key feature of this transition is the appointment of Mike Kennedy, a motorcycle industry veteran with over 30 years of experience, including executive roles at Harley-Davidson, Vance & Hines, and most recently as CEO of RumbleOn. Under his tenure at Harley-Davidson, dealer profitability rose by 15%, a momentum he intends to replicate at Indian Motorcycle. Kennedy's leadership will help sustain Indian Motorcycle's heritage while driving its next phase of transformation and expansion.

Around 900 employees, including engineers, designers, and manufacturing teams, will transition to the new company. The brand will continue to operate from its manufacturing facilities in Spirit Lake, Iowa, and Monticello, Minnesota, and its design and technology center in Switzerland, ensuring continuity and stability for customers and dealers.

For Polaris, this separation allows investment in areas with the highest growth potential while enabling Indian Motorcycle to sharpen its competitive edge through independence. Under Carolwood's stewardship, Indian Motorcycle will focus on enhancing key capabilities such as product innovation and customer engagement while accepting risks associated with increased competition and market volatility. By building on its momentum, the brand aims to leverage its American heritage and commitment to innovation to compete more effectively on the global stage, distinguishing itself from rivals like Harley-Davidson and Ducati.

This bold restructuring marks a promising future for Indian Motorcycle as it accelerates its journey to redefine American motorcycling with renewed energy, sharper focus, and a leadership team ready to guide the brand into its next century. Embrace the ride of a lifetime with 'Indian: Forging Freedom, Fueling Innovation'—a motto that captures the spirit of adventure awaiting Indian Motorcycle in this new era.