FIAT To Award Alfa Romeo Franchises To Select American Dealers
With FIAT preparing a return to North America, company CEO Sergio Marchionne said that Alfa Romeo vehicles would complement Fiat products in the same showrooms, giving dealers a wider array of vehicles to sell.
Currently, only the 500 small car is slated to be sold, and the niche product will likely be unable to generate enough profit to justify the substantial investment required to sell the car as a standalone product. The addition of Alfa products would make the prospect of selling the 500 more enticing.
“It’s more than likely that Fiat and Alfa Romeo brands will be sold in the same” dealerships, Marchionne said. Alfa products expected to be sold in North America include a compact hatchback, a mid-size sedan and a mid-size SUV. The Alfa brand also has significant cache among American consumers.
Marchionne is hosting a dealer meeting for Fiat and Chrysler franchise holders on August 30th but said he will not discuss Alfa Romeo plans at the event.
[Source: Automotive News]
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