It seems that is happening again – Alfa Romeo’s return to the US market has been delayed. It will not happen in 2012 as was the initial plan.
Instead, Sergio Marchionne, Chrysler/Fiat CEO, still says Alfa, which is owned by Fiat, will make its comeback in late 2012 (which had been the plan since April 2010), but only for a few units of the limited-edition 4C coupe.
If everything goes according to plan, Alfa’s actual second coming to the US will happen in mid-2013 starting with a compact crossover model. The mid-sized Giulia sedan could follow by the end of 2013 at the earliest.
The main reason for this latest delay is the fact that Marchionne has thrice in the last 18 months rejected proposals for the new Giulia, the compact sport sedan that will replace the 159 and will be the second model, after the SUV, to be sold to the US market through Fiat dealerships.
The Italian brand pulled out of the United States in 1995 with a reputation for poor quality. After this, in 2000, Fiat Group CEO Paolo Cantarella said a new Alfa Spider would be sold here in 2003 as part of Fiat’s ill-fated alliance with General Motors, a thing that didn’t happen.
Another year, another plan… In 2002, the plan was put back a year because of delays in developing the Spider, and that began a series of holdups that continues to this day.
Alfa has sold about 100 units of the limited-edition 8C models at U.S. Maserati dealerships, so technically already is back. But when the sporty, Fiat-owned brand returns in force, it will be through U.S. Fiat dealerships that also get Alfa Romeo franchises.
Source: Carscoop
1 comment
I’m Italian and I’m proud with my country and our cars ( Ferrari, Lamborghini, Alfa, Fiat etc. ) and I do not consider Alfa as being a “poor quality” car. I know that isn’t very good, but is not that bad and you must remember that is a relatively cheap car.