Alfa Romeo U.S. Launch In Shambles
A shocking report from Automotive News has broached a previously unfathomable development; Alfa Romeo’s U.S. launch is apparently delayed, catching countless observers off-guard, after expecting an efficient, trouble-free re-introduction for the historic marque.
The AN report suggests that Alfa’s launch is about as well-organized as a Republican Guard counter-attack. Key products, like the MiTo and Giulietta, have been shelved for America. So far, the company will lead with the new 4C sports car…and that’s it. The fate of the larger Giulia sedan is still up in the air. Once planned for a rear-drive chassis, it will now share the size-XL version of the Dodge Dart platform that will also underpin the next Chrysler 200.
The Mazda MX-5 derived Roadster is also on track, as is a Jeep Liberty-based crossover. But a small crossover has also been canned. Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne will unveil a definitive model lineup plan for Alfa on October 30th. As cynical and sarcastic as we can be, seeing Alfa fail is something that nobody wants. Fingers crossed.
More by Derek Kreindler
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You don't understand. It's not a bug, it's a feature. This is Alfa Romeo. A shambles would be a major improvement.
Alfa only sells the Mito and the Giuletta right now. They need to get their concept cars into production before they step into another market.
I can tell you Ive been waiting over a year for Gossett to start construction of the Fiat showroom.I have been driving past the rendering of a beautiful store with Fiat(badge on one side) and an Alfa(badge on the other I hope)and am starting to realize that Gossett is going to hold off until something makes them want to start construction. Not a good beginning for the 500..being scattered here and there in their other stores..kinda like Suzuki. Memphis supported lots of European makes over the years(a lot of bad ones)but I just cant see the commitment from the them for the Fiat or Alfa brand.Truly a Bad launch for the 500 in Memphis (a banner over the old used car lot "Gossett Fiat" and now that even looks kinda tired.
Well perhaps Sergio needs to delegate some authority regarding brand launching,hey Sergio,I'm available.As for FIAT-Chrysler sporting too many brands, no one ever mentions St.VW,Of The Many Degrees Of Reliability.It sells 10 brands,five of which appear to be as interchangeable as the Big Three's decades long badge & grille fest. As for FIAT,in the urban Los Angeles area,the 500 has become an increasingly frequent presence,unlike the non-existent iQ,or the always weak selling SMART. A plurality of the drivers do appear to be neither gay(Uh,I'd know-I get around,O.K.?),nor does the female demo look as if it consists solely of women named Ambyr,or Dakotuh. Speaking of Suzuki,did ya know that in California,its dealer sales network is currently a whopping 40% greater than that of Bugatti's? Just in case anyone was cross-shopping the two.