A Snapshot Of Just How Poorly Alfa Romeo Is Doing In Europe

Derek Kreindler
by Derek Kreindler

While we wait on the latest round of registration data from Europe (April 2013), a look at January-March 2013 data paints a bleak picture for Alfa Romeo.

Having moved 17,545 cars across 29 countries in that period, Alfa is being beaten by such storied nameplates as Mitsubishi, Smart and even struggling, Lancia/Chrysler. SEAT, VW’s ailing brand which gets its share of criticism for having no direction or identity, is crushing Alfa, having sold just under 70,000 units so far.

For such a strong brand, Alfa’s lineup is dismal, consisting of just two dated compact hatchbacks. New product cannot come soon enough. The 4C is a halo car, but Alfa is one brand that really doesn’t need anything to further boost its image. What it does need are mainstream products that are competitive with the Golfs, Mondeos and other mainstream nameplates across the world. Hopefully we’ll see something soon.

Derek Kreindler
Derek Kreindler

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  • Hawox Hawox on May 11, 2013

    just a shame such a big name wasted on orrible cars. i drove an alfa 33 for some times in the past and loved it even if it wasn't bulletproof. more recently i used the giulietta.... hopeless, i won't buy and alfa even if it were the only car in the world. both lancia and alfa names litteraly wasted.

  • Automaniak Automaniak on May 12, 2013

    By the way. VW brand - 15%, Fiat brand + 8%. If we add VW weak progress in USA and downward trend in Latin America this year plus DSG massive recalls in Asia, I think VW has bigger problems than Alfa take over.

  • Stephenjmcn Stephenjmcn on May 12, 2013

    I've just been told that to the end of April, total Guiletta sales in Ireland in 2013 are.... 1. Their core vehicle, no less.

    • Automaniak Automaniak on May 12, 2013

      Strange, last year they sold 120 units in Ireland (Giulietta + MiTo). Anyway, Alfa is very weak in this country. Luckily for Alfa, UK is much better market for them. Ireland is small. But this example maybe show why Marchionne say Alfa need USA so badly and Fiat even consider USA as Alfa main market in the future.

  • Lutecia Lutecia on May 13, 2013

    Here in Ireland sales are down 92% vs 2012 (YTD) to just ... 4 units Chrysler (Lancia) hasn't even registed any 'lancia' so far, just a handful of US sourced SUVs. And Dacia who entered the Irish market in January is already outselling Fiat who is at -62% YTD (and not by few units, Dacia sold over twice as many cars, with just 2 models for sale vs 7 Fiats). Europe isn't even a safe place for this brand/group and that's quite sad really

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