Looks like Alfa is coming back.(updated)
08-04-05, 06:11 PM
#1
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
Looks like Alfa is coming back.(updated)
No, I don't mean just the Subaru B9 Tribeca with its Alfa grille......Alfa Romeo has tentative plans to re-enter the American market within two years with its new 159. Alfa left the American market at the end of the 1994 model year due to increasing vehicle regulations which it just didn't want to fool with at the time....I remember looking at the last bright-red 164's they had displayed at the D.C. Auto Show that year. Anyhow, Alfa's reasoning at the time was that they just didn't sell enough cars here in the U.S. at the time to justify the tooling and engineering expenses required for the increasing government regulations of the American market. I don't remember Alfa's exact 1994 sales figures here, but I know it was not more than a few thousand cars. Like a number of other Italian-nameplate products at the time, Alfas suffered from rather poor quality and a generally negative image from the auto-buying public.
Today, however, things are different. European offerings in the American market have been limited to basically German and Sweedish-nameplate vehicles for so long.....with some minor British competition.....that many auto-buyers are looking for some more credible European alternatives. Add to that the fact that the British and Sweedish companies doing buisness in the U.S. are all either American or German-owned only makes that problem worse.
Add to this the fact that the traditionally poor quality of Italian cars has improved in the last 10 years, while the quality of many German cars...especially in electronics....has fallen off drastically, and today's Alfas may be better-suited to compete in the American market than they were 10 years ago. They also benefit from engineering input from other auto firms.
Anyhow...here is the new Alfa 159. While I'm not a fan of the retro-Pontiac-style front end and I think the twin grilles are a little too narrow (much like the new GTO spy pictures I posted in another thread) , the car basically IMO looks handsome.
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=106638
http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=102907
Today, however, things are different. European offerings in the American market have been limited to basically German and Sweedish-nameplate vehicles for so long.....with some minor British competition.....that many auto-buyers are looking for some more credible European alternatives. Add to that the fact that the British and Sweedish companies doing buisness in the U.S. are all either American or German-owned only makes that problem worse.
Add to this the fact that the traditionally poor quality of Italian cars has improved in the last 10 years, while the quality of many German cars...especially in electronics....has fallen off drastically, and today's Alfas may be better-suited to compete in the American market than they were 10 years ago. They also benefit from engineering input from other auto firms.
Anyhow...here is the new Alfa 159. While I'm not a fan of the retro-Pontiac-style front end and I think the twin grilles are a little too narrow (much like the new GTO spy pictures I posted in another thread) , the car basically IMO looks handsome.
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=106638
http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=102907
Last edited by mmarshall; 08-04-05 at 06:17 PM.
08-04-05, 07:15 PM
#2
It's a nice car indeed. But Alfa's still have reliability problems. Alfa re-introduced itself to Australia about 5 years ago and they are pretty much the only late model car you see with its hood up by the side of the road (a part from the occasional Benz!).
If they can't get the quality right they shouldn't even bother trying to crack the US market. That's going to be the real challenge for them.
If they can't get the quality right they shouldn't even bother trying to crack the US market. That's going to be the real challenge for them.
08-04-05, 09:37 PM
#3
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My cousin actually has an older Alfa (3L V6 sedan, not sure on the model) and I went with her once to have it "serviced" (ok, so the electrical system was falling apart), but the good thing was that the only place certified near us to do the work is Ferrari of Seattle so I got a nice poster, saw some cool cars, and talked to some of the techs. They actually told her a little while ago this was true and she told me but I never posted it up. I like the Alfa styling, but reliability is pretty scary.
James
James
08-04-05, 10:05 PM
#4
Speaks French in Russian
Theyve been planning to come back into the states for years now. I remember probably bakc in 2001 when they were showing off their future products that were to be released to the USA in 2003-2004(about 3-4 vehicles if I recall correctly). Well, we all see what happeend with that. Hopefully whatever problem they had the first time is resolved and they can come on over. I would really like another Italian make in the USA again. I love AR designs. Different, but really cool and nice.
I remember the old NYIAS(probably 94 or so) back in the day when AR was here. I got a chance to sit in one of the cars, and I have never seen so many buttons in my life. It was absolutely insane and utterly confusing.
Must be cool to have your AR serviced at a Ferrari shop. Its kinda wierd(but I understand why), its like going to a Nissan shop to get your Toyota serviced.
I remember the old NYIAS(probably 94 or so) back in the day when AR was here. I got a chance to sit in one of the cars, and I have never seen so many buttons in my life. It was absolutely insane and utterly confusing.
Must be cool to have your AR serviced at a Ferrari shop. Its kinda wierd(but I understand why), its like going to a Nissan shop to get your Toyota serviced.
08-05-05, 04:05 AM
#5
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
Yes, Alfa reliability problems are no secret, but while of course there is little or no Consumer Reports data to back it up, information from European websites gives some indication though that this is improving. With the global auto industry that it is, current Alfas, including the 159 in this article, benefit from the input and expertise of other automakers....some with better reliability records.
Today, if it were my money, I'd drop it on an Alfa before I would some German designs, reliability-wise. Lexus still rules in this area, though........we all know that.
Today, if it were my money, I'd drop it on an Alfa before I would some German designs, reliability-wise. Lexus still rules in this area, though........we all know that.
Last edited by mmarshall; 08-05-05 at 04:09 AM.
08-05-05, 04:46 AM
#6
Pole Position
Although I stated before that I don’t like Italian cars, I have to admit that I was wrong because I generalized the things and that’s not a good thing to do.
What I meant was that I don’t like Fiat. The one and the only Italian car maker.
Yes Alfa looks nice, but that’s where all the good things end. Inside is as cheap as any other Fiat. Choice and quality of materials is beyond poor (except leather), fit and finish is a disaster. Don’t look for any new gadgets or technology to be in the car. Automatic trannies are bad, especially the paddle shifter. Engine range is weak.
The bottom line is AR can’t pair BMW, MB, Lexus, Infiniti or Acura in luxury, refinement or performance, unless they undercut all of them in pricing.
Don’t hold your breath.
But what might be the worst thing is that Fiat does all the things I mentioned above to every car they make. From cheapest model Punto to the most expensive one Quattroporte. They all suffer from the same problems.
What I meant was that I don’t like Fiat. The one and the only Italian car maker.
Yes Alfa looks nice, but that’s where all the good things end. Inside is as cheap as any other Fiat. Choice and quality of materials is beyond poor (except leather), fit and finish is a disaster. Don’t look for any new gadgets or technology to be in the car. Automatic trannies are bad, especially the paddle shifter. Engine range is weak.
The bottom line is AR can’t pair BMW, MB, Lexus, Infiniti or Acura in luxury, refinement or performance, unless they undercut all of them in pricing.
Don’t hold your breath.
But what might be the worst thing is that Fiat does all the things I mentioned above to every car they make. From cheapest model Punto to the most expensive one Quattroporte. They all suffer from the same problems.
08-05-05, 07:50 AM
#7
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Originally Posted by mmarshall
Yes, Alfa reliability problems are no secret, but while of course there is little or no Consumer Reports data to back it up, information from European websites gives some indication though that this is improving. With the global auto industry that it is, current Alfas, including the 159 in this article, benefit from the input and expertise of other automakers....some with better reliability records.
Today, if it were my money, I'd drop it on an Alfa before I would some German designs, reliability-wise. Lexus still rules in this area, though........we all know that.
Today, if it were my money, I'd drop it on an Alfa before I would some German designs, reliability-wise. Lexus still rules in this area, though........we all know that.
Some Italian flair that doesn't cost Lambo money, sounds good to me
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08-05-05, 10:46 AM
#8
Lexus Test Driver
Alfa has been lauded for its beautiful and seamless interior and exterior detail...
for example...the header pipes on their engines are polished and chromed.
the interior doesn't have any cupholders or anything "unnecessary" to clutter the final look..
but they break and depreciate like falling rock.
for example...the header pipes on their engines are polished and chromed.
the interior doesn't have any cupholders or anything "unnecessary" to clutter the final look..
but they break and depreciate like falling rock.
05-05-06, 10:14 AM
#9
Speaks French in Russian
Alfa Romeo coming back the the USA
Alfa Romeo coming back the the USA
5/5/2006
The company plans to launch Alfa in the US via Maserati dealers but Mr Marchionne said this would not take place until after 2007, when new car launches would meet US regulatory standards.
Good news for the fans of Alfa!
5/5/2006
The company plans to launch Alfa in the US via Maserati dealers but Mr Marchionne said this would not take place until after 2007, when new car launches would meet US regulatory standards.
Good news for the fans of Alfa!
Last edited by magneto112; 05-05-06 at 10:18 AM.
05-05-06, 10:22 AM
#10
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Certainly a good news, but there's talk about bringing back the Alfa before, ever since they pull out of the U.S and Canadian market. I used to own an Alfa Romeo 164 S. It depreciated quite a lot and had some problems with the minor things like its Italian cousins (namely Fiat and Lancia) but it handled and performed well.
Last edited by TTEHarrier; 05-05-06 at 10:30 AM.
05-05-06, 10:35 AM
#11
Super Moderator
Alfa Romeo has been in Mexico for a few years.
When I moved down here in February 2002, they had an unofficial importer in the local Ferrari/Maserati dealer (who also unofficially imported those two vehicles, too).
They actually got quite popular, enough that GM officially became the official dealer for the products. They are sold at joint Alfa Romeo/Cadillac/Saab dealers that are now found next door to Hummer dealerships. A similar thing happened with Mercedes stepping in and officially distributing Smart vehicles after a lot of unofficial importation.
The 166 model was one of the models imported unofficially and is now a a rare find. Currently, the 147 and 156 are the only models sold. Occasionally, one of the unofficial importers will import some of the models not found here like the coupes.
I have had the experience to drive both the 147 and 156, and while the 147 is a very beautiful vehicle they are both overpriced down here for their performance. Having also driven a 164, they won't feel like much of an improvement.
http://mx.autos.yahoo.com/newcars/al...e_overview.php
When I moved down here in February 2002, they had an unofficial importer in the local Ferrari/Maserati dealer (who also unofficially imported those two vehicles, too).
They actually got quite popular, enough that GM officially became the official dealer for the products. They are sold at joint Alfa Romeo/Cadillac/Saab dealers that are now found next door to Hummer dealerships. A similar thing happened with Mercedes stepping in and officially distributing Smart vehicles after a lot of unofficial importation.
The 166 model was one of the models imported unofficially and is now a a rare find. Currently, the 147 and 156 are the only models sold. Occasionally, one of the unofficial importers will import some of the models not found here like the coupes.
I have had the experience to drive both the 147 and 156, and while the 147 is a very beautiful vehicle they are both overpriced down here for their performance. Having also driven a 164, they won't feel like much of an improvement.
http://mx.autos.yahoo.com/newcars/al...e_overview.php
05-05-06, 10:40 AM
#12
Speaks French in Russian
During yesterday's conference call to announce Fiat's first quarter financial results, CEO Sergio Marchionne confirmed that Alfa Romeo is gearing up for an imminent return to the USA.
Fiat's Alfa Romeo division has long eyed a full-scale return to the hugely lucrative United States market which it withdrew from more than a decade ago, but several ambitious target dates in recent years have had to be postponed. However with a new model range that has been engineered from the outset to meet stringent US crash and safety regulations Fiat CEO Marchionne has been putting a careful timetable in place to realise this ambition.
Firmly cementing the new strategic relationship between Fiat's Maserati and Alfa Romeo brands will be that Alfa Romeo's model range will be distributed through the US-based Maserati dealer network, which itself over the last year, has been separated from its previous union with Ferrari. Maserati CEO Karl-Heinz Kalbfell who has been working on the long-term future of the two Fiat Auto brands as one of his roles, has been drawing up fresh plans along with James Selwa, the former Rolls-Royce North America CEO who Kalbfell brought in to take charge of Maserati North America once it was removed from Maranello's control and returned to the Fiat Auto fold. No timetable has been laid out yet, but it is expected it could come as early as late next year.
Launch models are likely to comprise of the evocative members of Alfa Romeo's new 'breed' of sports models: the Alfa 159, Brera and Spider. Also into the mix is likely to be added the 8c Competizione with a chunk of the 500-unit production run of this 'halo' model scheduled for commercialisation next year heading across the Atlantic. The 8c Competizione coupé is itself an excellent example of the new partnership between Alfa Romeo and Maserati as it will be based on the latter's forthcoming Coupé/Spyder architecture and will incorporate its new 4.7-litre V8 engine.
Meanwhile the Italian ULIM union was quick to express its full support for the decision to return to North America. "The fact that Alfa Romeo is returning to the US market is good news for the Fiat Group, and especially for the factory at Pomigliano d'Arco, Naples, where the production of models 147 and 159 is increasing. When Italian models are successful abroad, it's something to be proud of," UILM General-Secretary Antonino Ragazzi told the AGI news agency yesterday. "The Fiat factory of Pomigliano is hiring more and more young workers, to boost production and employment."
Fiat's Alfa Romeo division has long eyed a full-scale return to the hugely lucrative United States market which it withdrew from more than a decade ago, but several ambitious target dates in recent years have had to be postponed. However with a new model range that has been engineered from the outset to meet stringent US crash and safety regulations Fiat CEO Marchionne has been putting a careful timetable in place to realise this ambition.
Firmly cementing the new strategic relationship between Fiat's Maserati and Alfa Romeo brands will be that Alfa Romeo's model range will be distributed through the US-based Maserati dealer network, which itself over the last year, has been separated from its previous union with Ferrari. Maserati CEO Karl-Heinz Kalbfell who has been working on the long-term future of the two Fiat Auto brands as one of his roles, has been drawing up fresh plans along with James Selwa, the former Rolls-Royce North America CEO who Kalbfell brought in to take charge of Maserati North America once it was removed from Maranello's control and returned to the Fiat Auto fold. No timetable has been laid out yet, but it is expected it could come as early as late next year.
Launch models are likely to comprise of the evocative members of Alfa Romeo's new 'breed' of sports models: the Alfa 159, Brera and Spider. Also into the mix is likely to be added the 8c Competizione with a chunk of the 500-unit production run of this 'halo' model scheduled for commercialisation next year heading across the Atlantic. The 8c Competizione coupé is itself an excellent example of the new partnership between Alfa Romeo and Maserati as it will be based on the latter's forthcoming Coupé/Spyder architecture and will incorporate its new 4.7-litre V8 engine.
Meanwhile the Italian ULIM union was quick to express its full support for the decision to return to North America. "The fact that Alfa Romeo is returning to the US market is good news for the Fiat Group, and especially for the factory at Pomigliano d'Arco, Naples, where the production of models 147 and 159 is increasing. When Italian models are successful abroad, it's something to be proud of," UILM General-Secretary Antonino Ragazzi told the AGI news agency yesterday. "The Fiat factory of Pomigliano is hiring more and more young workers, to boost production and employment."
05-05-06, 11:09 AM
#14
Lexus Champion
Whoa. That would be great if we get new Alfa's here in the USA.
Their vehicle lineup would definitely win over a lot of people with their designs. I think their
main market would pull people over from Saab for some reason. I ways grouped these two
companies together in the back of my mind.
Their vehicle lineup would definitely win over a lot of people with their designs. I think their
main market would pull people over from Saab for some reason. I ways grouped these two
companies together in the back of my mind.