Following a string of delays and setbacks that have seemingly plagued the automaker ever since it first started planning a U.S. return in 2000, Alfa Romeo has announced that it has again pushed back the introduction of several models it had intended to spearhead its American comeback.
Alfa Romeo CEO Harald Wester revealed in a presentation at the Frankfurt Motor Show yesterday that the introduction of the 4C coupe will be pushed back from 2012 to mid-2013, while a mid-sized SUV based on the Jeep Liberty has been cancelled completely.
The five-door MiTo subcompact will stay on target for a launch in the second half of 2013, but the arrival of the Giuletta sedan and wagon models was pushed back until 2014.
Fiat/ Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne had stated before the presentation that the European debt crisis was forcing Fiat and Chrysler to rethink the timing of their new-vehicle introductions.
“We are reviewing volumes and the timing of new products to see when it is really necessary to launch them,” Marchionne said.
The news isn’t all gloomy, though, for patient fans of the Italian brand: Wester’s presentation revealed plans for a large, rear-wheel drive Alfa sedan based on the next generation Maseratti Quattroporte to arrive sometime after 2014.
