While Stellantis has axed plans for Peugeot to make a return to the U.S. market, the newly-formed conglomerate is remaining committed to Alfa Romeo and its American dealers.
Alfa Romeo recently appointed Larry Dominique as its North American head and shortly after assuming his new role, he held a call with retailers expressing his commitment to the brand. One of them was Bob Nouri, who co-owns Russell Westbrook Alfa Romeo in California, the nation’s top-selling Alfa Romeo dealership.
“[He] personally told me that he is dedicated, and they’re going to do whatever it is within their power to make sure the brand makes it,” Nouri told Auto News. “I believe he brings a wealth of experience and new ideas to the table for us, which we’re very excited about that as well.”
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Alfa Romeo’s sales peaked in the United States back in 2018 and while 2020 figures were 22 per cent short of that mark, sales did jump by an impressive 23 per cent in the fourth quarter.
Scott Ritter, part owner of Planet Alfa Romeo in Miami, is also optimistic about what Dominique can do for the brand.
“He brings a pretty robust resume, so he’s very familiar with the industry,” he said. “It sounds like the commitment is to continue to grow the brand significantly. There was no indication that they’re going to back off or ease off. They want to continue with the momentum that’s been created thus far.”
