Alfa Romeo ’s planned return to the U.S. market has not been without its fair share of setbacks, but, thanks to some unflappable determination, the Italian automaker is primed for a successful reintroduction into the U.S. market in 2010 or 2011.
Fiat-owned Alfa Romeo stopped selling vehicles in the U.S. in 1995, but, if all continues smoothly, the legendary Italian brand should once again be available on this side of the Atlantic by early next decade.
However, a few hurdles still remain in Alfa’s path as it prepares to re-enter the U.S. market, with the biggest question marks lingering over products and production. The 8C sports car is already earmarked to be the first Alfa vehicle available in the States, but it remains unclear which models will round out Alfa’s U.S. offerings. In the wake of $4 gasoline, Alfa’s new compact MiTo looks like a smart choice for U.S. consumption, and Alfa’s 147 and 159 replacements will probably make the cross-ocean voyage. Alfa’s Brera and an all-new crossover could also be in the cards for the U.S.
Although still awaiting the go-ahead from Alfa executives, there is also word of a range-topping Alfa model – to replace the 166 and possibly wear a new 169 nameplate – that could ride on a Jaguar rear-wheel drive platform. If given the green light, it too could wind up on American shores.
As far as production goes, Alfa is eyeing a North American plant, with several options still on the table. The first option would see Alfa building a completely new production plant somewhere in North America. The second would involve Alfa using some production space not currently utilized by the Big Three. Alfa’s third option would be to use some of Case New Holland’s – which is owned by Alfa’s parent company, Fiat – production capacity to produce Alfa Romeo vehicles. At this point, it’s unclear which option Alfa Romeo is favoring. At any rate, Alfa’s North American production is tentatively scheduled to begin in 2013.
The last big mystery surrounding Alfa’s return to the U.S. market revolves around the retail side of the business. The Italian automaker has reportedly ruled out the possibility of using Maserati dealers as Alfa dealerships because Maserati’s network of only 85 dealers won’t provide the scope Alfa is looking for. That means that Alfa’s partnership with BMW will likely see some MINI dealers doubling as Alfa Romeo dealerships.
Despite the magnitude and volume of the question marks surround Alfa’s return to the U.S. market, Alfa’s top brass is set on a return to the world’s largest new car market, which is good news for anyone that resides in the States.
