If Alfa Romeo keeps procrastinating and delaying the launch of their revised range of cars, we will be forced to start writing jokes and make fun of them for not being able to start the “brand revival”, until our pointy pleasantries get the job done and force them to launch the models, out of sheer shame.
So what is the latest piece of news from Alfa Romeo? Well, it’s what we’ve been getting for the last two years: more future plans, of the very detailed kind.
It seems as if Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne is looking to triple the number of Alfas sold worldwide, reaching an unprecedented 300,000 units by 2016. This sounds very unlikely, given the current state of the brand. That figure is three times higher than what they managed last year, when their total sales figure stopped at 101,000.
Europe currently accounts for over 90 percent of the entire sales figure, stemming from a lineup that is made up of only two models: the MiTo and Giulietta. However, by 2016, the plan is to add a significant number of new models.
With the prophesied return to the US, they may just get a shot at reaching that goal, if they act fast, and start selling proper usable cars (not only the very sporty and expensive 4C – people want practicality to go along with style, so it’s not for everybody).
The projected 2016 production figures for the future models are 100,000 units for the BMW 3-Series-rivalling Giulia sedan and estate, 90,000 for the Giulietta compact hatch, 50,000 for the MiTo supermini, 30,000 for their mid-size Maserati-underpinned sedan, 25,000 for the Mazda co-developed, next generation Spider and 3,500 for the 4C. The final model which is to be added to the range in the foreseeable future is the much talked-about SUV, which, according to Autonews Europe, will measure between 4.6 and 4.8 meters in length.
Most models will be available worldwide, but some, like the Giulia estate/wagon may only be offered in Europe, where demand for load-luggers is deemed adequate. We hope all of the above happens, because if there’s one automotive name we really want to see make a proper comeback, it’s Alfa.
In the meantime, before these launches, there is the German connection to take into account, and if it materializes, it will change things drastically and make the situation far more interesting. Not necessarily better, but more interesting…
By Andrei Nedelea
Story References: Autonews Europe
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