Let's talk Alfa Romeo

For the past several years, we've been hearing of Alfa Romeo's awaited return to the US market. However, the details have been scarce, and the date uncertain, as the potential launch date keeps being pushed back. Now, reports tell us 2009 is the year the Italian brand will return. Thoughts?

chewy - 8/7/2006 9:43:09 PM

+1 Boost

It won't work to well if it is to be sold through Maserati dealerships, there aren't that many of those. They won't be able to move a lot of product through the Maserati dealerships. Right now it is unknown what will be the first Afla to come. To be continued. We just have to wait.

chewy - 8/7/2006 11:21:56 PM

+2 Boost

That means that the dealerships will probably be the same. There is a Ferrari/Maserati dealsership nearby. Eventough the companies split, the dealerships probably won't. So, you are right, most Maseratis are sold in Ferrari dealserships because the Ferrari dealserships were here before Maserait (the latest ones) were sold.

kart1 - 8/8/2006 12:15:43 AM

0 Boost

Chewy you are right, Alfa Romeo needs to get more dealerships because Maserati dealerships are not easy to find. Also I heard that the 159 and Brera will be the first models to come. Here is the latest news from Edmunds.com posted on 8/6/06. I have to say I am disappointed that it will still take about three years.

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=116107

UPshift - 8/8/2006 2:30:58 AM

+2 Boost

Alfa's return will be welcome, indeed. I regret not buying a nice red GTV-6 a couple of years ago. I don't think the dealership situation will be solved easily, though. Its a shame about the GM/Fiat debacle, that could've got Alfa more dealers.

AUDIMAN4 - 8/8/2006 2:40:49 AM

+1 Boost

Well, ironically, there's an Masterati/Ferrari dealership minutes from my house in Plano, TX and minutes from my school in San Antonio, TX--I think using Maserati as a starting point to establish a dealership network is an excellent idea.

We have to remember, Alfa is a high-priced niche brand, not your neighborhood Ford dealer. You only find Maserati/Ferrari dealerships within areas of a certain income/population distribution, only in a few metro areas.

chewy - 8/8/2006 4:16:17 AM

+1 Boost

AUDIMAN4

Are you PlanoA4?

Alfa will be premium, but not that expensive, I have heard that Maserati/Ferrari dealers aren't too happy about Alfas coming in.

UPshift - 8/8/2006 3:16:05 PM

0 Boost

Maybe Alfa could strike a deal with Nissan? It could be the sporty high-end at a Nissan/Renault/Alfa Romeo dealer. Renault and Alfa combining import resources could benefit both companies and help Ghosn get some Renaults trickling in the States.

And, AUDIMAN4 - I was thinking of the pairing of Alfa with Cadillac dealers, but on second thought that would be a weird marriage, indeed.

BMW530i - 8/8/2006 8:33:07 PM

+2 Boost

I hope they come over. I can't stand falling asleep from seeing all these Camry's, Accords and Sonata's here. The US needs some mainstreamers that radiate emotion and excitement.

Rupert - 8/9/2006 5:13:47 PM

+1 Boost

nissan and alfa have teamed up before to make a car, but they did it the wrong way round. alfa did the electrics, nissan the styling. disaster.