US return delayed again!

GianniB · #1 (**permalink**) 12-02-2003, 01:13 PM

Apparently the 2007 return to the US has been pushed out to some undefined date:

AutoWeek Article

I was looking forward to buying a new Alfa in 2004, then 2005 then 2007, but now I can't say I'll still be interested when (if) they return.

**italcarguy** · #2 (**permalink**) 12-02-2003, 02:01 PM

i give up with them!

#3 (**permalink**) 12-02-2003, 02:09 PM

It looks like we can buy a new car and finish the payments before any Alfas are sold in this country, 3 series BMW's are starting to look a whole lot better.

**italcarguy** · #4 (**permalink**) 12-02-2003, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by alfa of-corse
It looks like we can buy a new car and finish the payments before any Alfas are sold in this country, 3 series BMW's are starting to look a whole lot better.

canguro · #5 (**permalink**) 12-02-2003, 02:31 PM

ALFA: Always Late For Arrival.

**nizam** · #6 (**permalink**) 12-02-2003, 03:00 PM

Good one, Canguro!

I guess it doesn't matter. I was going to buy my wife an Audi anyway. What we have left, we'll keep.

**ar1750gtv** · #7 (**permalink**) 12-02-2003, 03:04 PM

I have always said I would believe it (Alfa's return) when I could walk into a show room and buy one (new Alfa).

I'm still disappointed.

**78-AR-SPIDER** · #8 (**permalink**) 12-03-2003, 12:44 AM

Sorry I don't know much about the new Alfas. Is the reason for the poor sales the reliability of the new cars? Are the new alfa's priced out of their market? Or is it the image that alfa's are tempermental cars.
Like I said I know nothing about the new alfas. But would like to know.

**ECARRILLO** · #9 (**permalink**) 12-03-2003, 09:43 AM

I really DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO SAY!

Why did GM-FIAT? has decided this and now has them in México???
GM will have a very limited dealer showrooms for Alfa in their high end dealerships....like 10 across the country.
The arrival has been late already by two months....they do not have them yet on display.
From what I have read they will have the BASIC 147 and 156, not the ones we all like!

What I have seen and been offered to do is import a car from Europe with a special permit (LONG story) and voila!

I got offered a 147 GTA RED brand new! If you do it this way you have A LOT of advantaged price wise and options wise, the only downside is that GM-Alfa does not respect the factory guarantee (long story) but they don't even know how to fix em anyway!

So after all this I am $39,500.00 usd short of my GTA.......maybe after I win the lottery!

What good is there for the US in this? I don't really know but are there any lawyers out there that can work out an import permit??? I have worked in the Automotive Industry for years and DO NOT believe them with their stories about making the cars for each country......if they can run with Mexican fuel they can run in the US!

Regards,

canguro · #10 (**permalink**) 12-03-2003, 12:21 PM

Eliseo, at least you will have access to some Alfas. The problem with importing them to the U.S. is that the cars must be certified for sale here. That means undergoing safety crash testing, passing U.S. emissions standards, and complying with a myriad local laws and rules governing everything from lighting to warning labels. Too much for an individual to undertake, unless you're Bill Gates. I recall one manufacturer explain that they build over a hundred variations of a particular model for all of their export markets. It's ridiculous, and there are efforts underway to reach an international consensus on regulations affecting cars. Perhaps then, we will have the option of privately importing whatever vehicle we want.

canguro · #11 (**permalink**) 12-03-2003, 12:25 PM

Nizam, I too have given up, and ordered an Infiniti. Perhaps the absence of new Alfas will only increase the desirability of the older classics.

**ECARRILLO** · #12 (**permalink**) 12-03-2003, 12:31 PM

Canguro,

I understand and agree with all the things you have to go thru to get a car in the US, but:

1-What about the Kit cars? Can't you go buy a Cobra kit car and practiacally make it yourself? Can't you get an old Giulietta and convert it into a Coda Tronca?
2-All of these craze colegues of mine who take their lowsy Mexican junks to the Us and CAN drive them there, granted by the border side?

That is where I think there could be a posibility with in the law, I am not sugesting to break it! This to allow you to bring a car to the US.....???

Like you say we do have the posibility.......

Good luck,

**smestas** · #13 (**permalink**) 12-03-2003, 12:40 PM

Speaking of IMPORTING what ever hapened to the guys from AutoDeltaUSA? They were importing Alfas to the USA and as I recall (correct me if Im wrong) some of the cars they sold and had were siezed by authorities.

US Alfa Importers Arrested?

Its a bummer to hear that there are going to be more delays. Although the BB seems to be grounded with more vintage car owners it would be nice to see/chat with new model owners as well.

**67GTV** · #14 (**permalink**) 12-03-2003, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by italcarguy
so are hyundai's

DaveC · #15 (**permalink**) 12-03-2003, 01:51 PM

Here's some info on Autodelta. (Just go to search at the site and punch in "Giordano".)

US Court

I also found an old story about AutodeltaUSA. Seems you can import an Alfa for private use and for a limited time!

Autodeltausa

Love that Google
Dave