Fiat Group CEO Sergio Marchionne has revealed that Alfa Romeo is considering building a production plant in North America. The Alfa Romeo brand is slated to make its return to the U.S. market in late 2009. Marchionne said the decision to build a plant in North America is being considered because of a favorable exchange rate.
“Mid to long term, I have no doubt we will have to produce in the NAFTA area to sell at a profit in the U.S.,” Marchionne told Automotive News Europe. “When, where, in which volumes is still to be determined.”
Marchionne also predicted that Alfa’s U.S. operations would be profitable in its third or fourth year.
At launch, Alfa Romeo will only offer the 8C Competizione, but plans to follow with the 159 sedan, Brea 2+2 coupe and Spider two-seater.
Alfa Romeo just named Luca De Meo as CEO.
12/12, 10:21 AM
posted by:
CA36GTP
I don’t mind new choices in the market, but I can’t think of any reason I would ever buy an Alfa Romeo over something in a similar segment/price point.
12/12, 10:28 AM
posted by:
Get Real
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA
Lots of heavy drugs being imported into Italy these days.
CEO should stay away from them and just drink wine.
12/12, 10:32 AM
posted by:
golf4me
Only one I’d even consider is the 8C, and not at that price point. The rest are just pretty FWD Fiats.
I do like that little Hatch though, but as a Fiat, with a Fiat price.
12/12, 10:55 AM
posted by:
rsg
Optimistic, aren’t they? Haven’t sold a car yet and their ready to build a plant here. Nice looking cars, lots of $ for front drive, though. I’m with CA36GTP, lot’s of stuff in that price range that as an added bonus I have a decent idea of how well they’ll hold up. The cars they sent here in the 70’s and 80’s, except for the Spider (maybe) were complete ****..
12/12, 11:02 AM
posted by:
Rotman
Nowadays quality is good and with Alfa’s intention of going back to RWD this will be a profitable move for AR.
12/12, 11:05 AM
posted by:
CA36GTP
It’ll take at least 5 years of good US products for me to consider them. Oh yea, and a hefty price cut. AR are just gussied up Fiats and shouldn’t demand much more money than Saturns.
12/12, 11:20 AM
posted by:
Veda
CA36GTP: Same reason you’d buy a Gallardo over a F430, emotion.
12/12, 11:24 AM
posted by:
CA36GTP
Veda, I guess it’s all subjective, but the only emotion I get from Alfa Romeo is subdued amusement. As in a little voice in the back of my head chuckling “Heh heh…Alfa Romeo…what a stupid name..heh heh..”
12/12, 11:48 AM
posted by:
meanpants555
That’s right fellas shoot ‘em down before they even get here. And while they’re at it maybe they can stop importing pasta, chianti and raven haired women with pouty lips. I’d sweep the floors of that factory.
12/12, 11:50 AM
posted by:
meanpants555
If you would stop getting all of your info from Road & Track, you’d know what was going on at Fiat and its branches.
12/12, 1:07 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
I knew this stuff two days ago. VW and Fiat are on the same track.
12/12, 1:12 PM
posted by:
RicardoHead
And here’s to you, Mrs. Robinson ….
12/12, 1:15 PM
posted by:
maximus
more choice isn’t bad, i support it, give us something new to consider!
12/12, 1:18 PM
posted by:
meanpants555
jackjimturkey; I would bet that Fiats are more relaible than VW these days.
12/12, 1:36 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
I’m not suggesting any different.
All of them will end up building plants here.
12/12, 2:08 PM
posted by:
global_lightning
It’s sad when the Italians are considering building a plant in the U.S. for economic reasons. Way to go, President Bush…
12/12, 2:11 PM
posted by:
Noah
It won’t fly—don’t bother
12/12, 4:52 PM
posted by:
RicardoHead
I’d take a Fiat over a veedub.
12/12, 5:20 PM
posted by:
autonut
If Alfa would bring it’s cars here it would be awesome, especially if they’ll be of decent quality. They exited market, because of quality problems, but in Europe Alfas are smoking now. 70% run with diesel engines and those engines are incredible. The car is a bit expensive (in BMW range), but pound for pound they compete in Europe with BMW as strong as Audi.
12/12, 5:21 PM
posted by:
LP640
why did they pull out in the first place and what makes them think that things will be different this time round??????????????????
12/12, 8:38 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
They’ll end up being like Saab: a minor curiosity for some, but never mainstream.
12/14, 9:20 AM
posted by:
sinnercitizen
The majority of comments here, regarding Alfa’s reliability or lack of, are tottaly uncalled for. Since Alfa launched the 156 in the mid 90’s, quality control as well as sales have increased exponentially. Why do you think GM bought the majority of Fiat’s stock a few years ago? The JTD diesel engines (Alfa Romeo Patent)are fiery, reliable and frugal. The Fiat group has made unbeliavable amounts of money, AFTER they bought their own shares back from GM.
LP640’s comment on why do they think it would different this time around is as intelligent as bag full of ****! Ferrari’s were a piece of **** 15 years ago, Lamborghini’s were atomic cannons uncontrolable in a straight line. Just like Alfa, they went through a hard time and came out great. I wouldn’t been caught dead in a ****ing american made piece of steel on four wheels. European and japanese made cars are superior than anything your outdated, outmanouvered and understilled factories, enginners and designers can think of.