Indian Motorcycle announced that Carolwood LP has officially finalized its agreement with Polaris to acquire the motorcycle business. The deal’s closure marks the beginning of a new era for the iconic American brand as a fully independent business focused solely on motorcycles.
Under the leadership of new CEO and motorcycle-industry veteran Mike Kennedy, Indian Motorcycle says it is embarking on its next chapter as a stand-alone company, “intent on building upon the brand’s significant momentum and elevating it to an even higher level of global relevance and success.”
2026 marks the 125th anniversary of Indian Motorcycle.
Kennedy and Carolwood say they are committed to a long-term strategy centered on delivering an even better ownership experience for riders and stronger, more focused support for the dealer network. This means concentrating investment in the motorcycles, technologies, and experiences riders value most.
“We will achieve our vision through a deeper level of differentiation, leaning in on what makes our brand unique, and with products that possess a style, craftsmanship and performance quality that is uniquely justified by our historic legacy and spirit of innovation,” said Kennedy, CEO for the Indian Motorcycle Company.
“It’s an incredible honor to take the helm of Indian Motorcycle as it celebrates its 125th anniversary, empowered by a sense of gratitude and opportunity, and the support and ambition of a well-resourced, highly motivated ownership team. 2026 will be a special year to honor our history, but more importantly, to drive the brand into the future with a renewed level of commitment, focus and clarity that can only be found as a stand-alone company.
“Dealers are our most important partners, and we will judge our business based on the success of our dealers. We intend to be extremely collaborative with our dealers, actively listening to their feedback and incorporating it into our planning and decision-making, not only in terms of dealer operations, but also product development and marketing.”
The finalized acquisition agreement includes approximately 900 employees that now transition to become part of the new Indian Motorcycle Company. Indian Motorcycle will base all manufacturing at the company’s existing facilities in Spirit Lake, Iowa, and Monticello, Minnesota, while continuing industrial design, technology, and product development at its existing research and development centers in Burgdorf, Switzerland, and Wyoming, Minnesota. Indian says sales, service and support for Indian Motorcycle dealers and customers will continue “seamlessly under new ownership and leadership.”
“America’s first motorcycle company will put America first,” said Kennedy. “Our brand and business will be grounded in our American identity and, more importantly, American manufacturing. ‘Built in America’ is not a slogan. It’s a competitive advantage, and we intend to use it.” CN
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