Fiat Set for American Production. Someday. Maybe.
Fiat is [still] planning on reintroducing its Alfa Romeo line to the United States "sometime after 2008." To ensure profitability in the face of a weak reputation for quality dollar and a strong Euro, Reuters reports the company will/would have to manufacture at least some of its cars outside Europe. Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne has indicated that Mexico is at the top of the list, although a Confederate tax break deal may be doable. Eventually. "We can think of producing [in the Americas] in the medium-long term," Marchionne opined. Which Alfa models would be produced or sold stateside remains equally unknown (unknowable?). The tasty 8C is likely to lead the charge; it's just about the only Alfa whose price premium can overcome the exchange rate. Meanwhile, big changes are in the air at Alfa. New CEO Luca De Meo says he hopes to "restore Alfa Romeo's place among premium brands by the time of its 100th anniversary on June 25, 2010." With new versions of Alfa mid- and full-sized sedans set to appear around that date, we reckon that's when we may see the Italian automaker's wares stateside. Or not.
More by Edward Niedermeyer
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Ain't it wonderful to have a currency that isn't (for long) worth squat? And I thought Bricklin was blowing smoke when he said he planned to make his Chinese stuff in US plants. The guy was just ahead of his time.
Just wait till OPEC moves off the dollar - then we will be able to afford neither the cars NOR the petrol. Gee, Thanks a lot Greenspnanke!
I do miss the FIATs that I owned. A little finicky, yes, but loads of fun. I've actually been trolling eBay lately looking for one. Thinx: I'm afraid that "Greenpnanke" has been forced into reaction mode by the mess that our fearless leader has created.