Will Alfa Romeos be built in America?

Written By: Evan McCausland

Filed Under: Alfa Romeo, All News, Plants/Manufacturing December 14th, 2007 2:30 PM

We knew of (and were eagerly awaiting) the upcoming return of Alfa Romeo vehicles to the United States, but the marque may bring more than just its lineup to these shores. An Automotive News Europe report cites company officials as interested in opening up a manufacturing arm within North America.

According to Fiat Group CEO Sergio Marchionne, Alfa’s relaunch in the U.S. wouldn’t be profitable in the first four years, but the continued weakness of the dollar makes things “more expensive.” Should Alfa Romeo - or any Fiat brand - aim to stay in North America over the long term, building cars here would be necessary.

Interestingly, this wouldn’t be the first Fiat assembly plant in the New World; a facility opened in Poughkeepsie, New York in 1909, although it closed a decade later. No word on where or when the new plant would be opened.

+ ItaliaSpeed: Alfa Romeo Plans United States Factory

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9 Comments

chuck goolsbee December 14th, 2007 3:06 PM Link

Sergio, please come build me the Diesel-engine Spider I crave.

–chuck

CHARLES G. December 14th, 2007 3:30 PM Link

Maybe they should give Chrysler a call. They’re always a sucker er, interested in partnerships.

Gianni December 14th, 2007 3:33 PM Link

Seems to me they first ought be more worried about setting up an effective dealer network this time around (i.e. their ARDONA deal with Chrysler to sell Alfas at Chrysler dealerships in the 90’s).

Russ Bellinis December 14th, 2007 3:57 PM Link

G.M. is closing the Spring Hill Saturn plant. I suspect that may be the most modern automotive plant available unless they want to build a new plant which I think is probably more expensive.

F. Frederson December 15th, 2007 3:40 AM Link

They’re crazy to think such a thing, but why build when you can buy at least the shell and infrastructure?

chuck goolsbee December 15th, 2007 4:20 PM Link

Screw the Dealers Gianni… sell them online and deliver with FedEx.

–chuck
http://chuck.goolsbee.org

Tim D December 16th, 2007 8:54 PM Link

Does anybody care?

Tata Bid for Jaguar and Land Rover to Aid Alfa Romeo? - Winding Road December 20th, 2007 12:55 PM Link

[…] the use of Land Rover’s existing U.S. dealership network could help smooth the way for Alfa’s return to the American market. […]

Winding Road » Archive » Alfa Romeo Wants North American Plant and Partner for Production March 25th, 2008 3:38 PM Link

[…] went on to reveal that Alfa is hunting for a U.S. production partner, noting that the company is likely to lose money in North America until such a relationship is […]

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