Alfa back to the US with Chrysler?

[MALDI]

The attached slide from today's presentation indicates that Fiat will provide the small 4-cyliner gas engines (up to 1.8 L) and diesel engines, Chrysler will supply the large 4-cylinder engines (2.0 L and above) and the V6. Looks as if the short-lived Fiat-GM Powertrain V6 will be gone. No hint of a true Alfa V6 or the (rumored) Alfa V8. (But again this was a Chrysler product plan roll out, not Fiat-Lancia-Alfa.)

[aldo]

A little more on thier thinking here: Chrysler Admits Faults, Unveils New Plan

[Aghevli]

This is an article from Bloomberg.com that speculates on Alfa's absence in the 5-year plan (specifically).

Chrysler Cooling to Idea of Making, Selling Alfa Romeos in U.S. - Bloomberg.com

[Pat Braden]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aghevli This is an article from Bloomberg.com that speculates on Alfa's absence in the 5-year plan (specifically). Chrysler Cooling to Idea of Making, Selling Alfa Romeos in U.S. - Bloomberg.com

[AlfaVeloce]

Come on everybody. Have some faith. Here, drink some of this:

Sorry, just letting my disappointment show.
Seriously it sounds like we are more likely to lose the marque altogether than we are to ever see it back in the States again.

[Anfanuts]

I didn't see all this coming when I semi-checked out of this thread awhile back, only more waffling and delay. Seems disappointing now that it may not occur, or worse. The good news is that in about 20 years we can import "modern" Alfas and not have to meet EPA and DOT regs. Here's the plan: just rent a garage over there and buy one now (240hp MiTo). Have a friend drive it a few times a year (or go yourself) and drink good red wine, not a whine. In the meantime have a look and those Hyndais or Kias (sp?). Hang in there . . .

[Pat Braden]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anfanuts I didn't see all this coming when I semi-checked out of this thread awhile back, only more waffling and delay. Seems disappointing now that it may not occur, or worse. The good news is that in about 20 years we can import "modern" Alfas and not have to meet EPA and DOT regs. Here's the plan: just rent a garage over there and buy one now (240hp MiTo). Have a friend drive it a few times a year (or go yourself) and drink good red wine, not a whine. In the meantime have a look and those Hyndais or Kias (sp?). Hang in there . . .

[Aghevli]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pat Braden I will still be very surprised if we ever see Alfa again in the U.S. especially based on the break-even point stated in the article.

[Anfanuts]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pat Braden You note I've been criticized more than once for being the naysayer on Alfas return, both that they would not return and if they did, they would not be the Alfas we all knew and loved. That's what broad shoulders are for among other things.

[Anfanuts]

While Fiat dithers, Merc moves???


The Wall Street Journal, NOVEMBER 13, 2009

"Mercedes Plans a Small-Car Volley. Daimler AG is considering launching a series of small Mercedes-Benz cars in the U.S. in a bid to tap Americans' growing interest in downsized models that offer upscale features and finishes, the German car maker's chief executive said. Under its tentative plan, Mercedes would import by 2012 at least one of four next-generation compact models it will start selling in Europe in late 2011, Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche said in an interview with The Wall Street Journal. These diminutive Mercedes would go head to head with an expanding field of premium small cars in the U.S., including the A3 from Volkswagen AG's Audi unit and BMW AG's 1 series and Mini Cooper. " More . . .

[MALDI]

From the Bloomberg article:

Alfa Romeo isn’t profitable and needs to sell about 250,000 cars annually to break even, he said.

Cravero [president of Alfa] estimated Alfa’s sales this year to be 120,000.


Alfa would seem to need to start selling in one or both or the world's largest car markets (North America and China) to be able meet their volume target. They may not enter the US (ever ) but I also have not heard anything about selling Alfas in China. (Ferraris are sold there, however.)

[dave_fonz_164]

I guess this would be considered a step closer to receiving Fiat and Alfa in America,

Fiat confirmed today that they will produce their 1.4TB Multiair engine in Dundee, Michigan, an ex Chrysler Corp engine facility.

One step at a time, source was ::ITALIASPEED::

[MALDI]

Interestingly I read where those engines are actually intended for the South American market (Brazil in particular). The choice to manufacture them was Michigan or Mexico. Michigan won because of tax incentives and also because if Fiat builds fuel efficient engines in the US they get another 5% of Chrysler free. (Engines will be built but not used in the US!)

Fiatsler’s Dilemma: Build Engines In Michigan Or Mexico? | The Truth About Cars

[Anfanuts]

"(if the Fiatsler experiment even makes it that far)" . . .

So where does that leave the Alfiatsler notion??? Even further afar?

[Pat Braden]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anfanuts "(if the Fiatsler experiment even makes it that far)" . . . So where does that leave the Alfiatsler notion??? Even further afar?