Alfa Romeo’s quest for a U.S. factory continues
Alfa Romeo’s parent company, Fiat, plans to choose a factory in the U.S. by the end of May. As per earlier reports, the Italian carmaker is looking to work with one of the three big North American car companies to share their production lines or move into one of the companies’ shuttered factories, but there is now a second possibility. Fiat owns 11 Case New Holland agricultural machinery or construction equipment plants in North America, and is also considering expanding and retrofitting one of these for car production.
Whichever route it takes, Alfa won’t be able to produce cars in North America until 2011 or 2012, according to Automotive News. Once the factories start rolling out vehicles, it is expected they will do so at the rate of approximately 150,000 per year, some of which would be exported to Europe. Alfa last sold its cars in the New World in 1995, and Fiat Group CEO Sergio Marchionne said earlier this year Alfa will mark its return by importing its 8C Competizione coupe in late 2009. The first new Alfa in nearly 15 years for North American consumption will be at first sold through choice Maserati dealers.
Once its own network is established, regarding which a decision will be made in two or three months according to Alfa Romeo CEO Luce De Meo’s words earlier in March, the carmaker should sell some or all of its current line-up made up of the 159 sedan, Brea 2+2 coupe and Spider two-seater and perhaps even the Mi.To hatchback.
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