With all that Yankee cash he's been earning from Jeep and Ram sales in the U.S., Sergio Marchionne can finally start to rebuild his dream Alfa Romeo unit in earnest. According to Germany's
Auto Bild magazine,
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) will unveil a slew of new Alfa Romeo models hoping to increase sales from 100,000 per year to 500,000.
In addition to the 4C sports car, to be seen here later in 2014, new models include a:
- convertible Spider* by 2016 (think The Graduate).
- sedan and wagon versions of the Giulia sports sedan in 2017 (to rival BMW 3-Series).
- sedan and wagon versions of the Alfetta sports sedan in 2018 (against BMW 5-Series).
- compact crossover sport utility vehicle (SUV) in 2017.
- larger crossover SUV for 2018
The MiTo and Giulietta hatchbacks not in production will not be replaced (no great loss here, Alfa fans). Fiat acquired Alfa Romeo in 1986, but has failed to restore it to glory despite repeated attempts. Plans to boost sales to half a million by 2014 have been ditched as the car market in Europe has gone into reverse for several years.
The relaunch of the 104-year-old Alfa Romeo brand, along with Maserati,
drives FCA's return to profitability in Europe. All Alfas and
Maseratis will be produced in Italy.
SEE:
Reuters
*which was to be shared with the new Mazda Miata MX-5 until Marchionne changed his mind about that.
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