FCA: Why Build an Alfa Romeo Giulia Sport Wagon When You Already Have an SUV?
Alfa Romeo has bragged that it will have nine new cars on the market by 2021 ever since brand boss and arm-day workout expert Reid Bigland announced a plan to “ absolutely to go toe to toe with the Germans.”
A big part of that plan included a Giulia Sport Wagon to compete with the Deutsche estate cars. Apparently, this was a big fat lie and Bigland should meet me in the parking lot after school because Alfredo Altavilla, Fiat Chrysler’s CEO for Europe, Africa and Middle East, now says the model is off the table.
“We have decided not to make a Giulia Sport Wagon,” Altavilla explained to journalists in Europe. “Do we really need it if the SUV Stelvio handles so well? Probably not. With our fine tuning, Stelvio can interest all those people who might have been interested [in the wagon].”
Do you know what handles better than a lowered SUV with no true off-roading capabilities? A five-door wagon with an even lower center of gravity.
The argument that people who like wagons will automatically gravitate to crossovers would also carry a little more weight if the automakers with the most cachet weren’t already jumping onto the “ shooting-brake” bandwagon, earmarking it as the next hot trend.
However, the crossover is assuredly the less risky of the two — especially in North America, where it would unquestionably sell better. When I take a moment to consider the issue of corporate finances, and the fact that Bigland probably didn’t even know FCA would murder the Giulia wagon back in November, I suppose I can let the very brawny and tough-looking head of Alfa Romeo and Maserati off the hook.
While it’s always better not to get too attached to a vehicle before it enters production, nobody likes being promised something only to see it snatched away from them either. I cannot be the only car enthusiast or wagon-lover that finds this a very bitter pill to swallow.
The Alfa Romeo Giulia Sport Wagon was expected to premiere at the 87th Geneva International Motor Show next month. I will be holding a moment of silence for it on March 10th at noon EST.
[Image: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles]
A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.
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Being an Alfa Romeo I don't foresee anymore than 5,000 being sold in the states. This will be another Sergio flop. What a disgrace!!!!
That rear hatch looks 99% sport and 1% wagon. Pretty poor as a wagon design. It's really a hatchback.