Alfa Romeo's Return to the U.S.
Last fall, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne tacitly confirmed that Alfa Romeo will return to the U.S., and we predicted the models that could on sale here, which would slate above Chrysler products. At a presentation in Italy today, Marchionne confirmed the slate of Alfas headed stateside by 2012. We were right on all of them, however, two additional models were a bit unexpected.
Three new models — a midsize SUV and a sedan and wagon both called the Giulia — will lead the charge, according to the presentation. The Giulia will replace the current Alfa Romeo 159 sedan shown above.
The SUV will be based on a Chrysler product, possibly the Dodge Journey or new Jeep Grand Cherokee.
In 2013, Alfa will add a new four-door MiTo hatchback and a new Spider, which is a small convertible. They will be followed by a new Giulietta compact and larger SUV in 2014.
Alfa SUVs make sense as they’re more profitable than cars, but we’re not sure the U.S. needs another small convertible like the Spider. Chrysler’s last attempt, the German-bred Crossfire, was a dismal failure, and Audi’s TT roadster hasn’t sold well since a recent redesign.
All the dates are for European roll-out and often that means a delay of a few months before they go on sale in the U.S.
Check out the chart below from the Fiat presentation.
