It turns out that Fiat and BMW's axis of platform-sharing may help facilitate Alfa's stateside arrival. Automotive News [sub] reports that the Fiat version of the automakers' joint agreement states that "as part of possible cooperation, BMW Group will provide Fiat Group Automobiles with support in launching the Alfa Romeo brand in the North American market." And really, it's perfect. BMW already has a chain of boutique dealers in the more "sophisticated" American markets: MINI. And sure enough, Fiat spokesfolk tell AN "Mini U.S. dealers would have the possibility to also sell Alfa Romeo cars." Official details of the agreement have not been publicized, nor has BMW officially commented on MINI becoming a multi-brand retailer. Still, it's hard to think of too many downsides. MINI stores are already located in the markets that will be interested in Alfas, and the idea of an 8C Competizione gracing a MINI showroom is hardly the stuff of MINI salesman nightmares. Though the two brand's FWD offerings may not be as coordinated as they'd like, the platform-sharing plans mean that the two brands could grow around each other. Besides, a MINI-Alfa dealer would hearken back to the good old days of "import specialty dealers." Only without the horrendous products and service support. We hope.
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hey, at last, a picture of a car that doesnt have, or need, a female in front of it. BMW has figured out a way to get some decent looking cars into its showrooms.
Excellent!
Much better idea than trying to do Alfa as an independent line, which would require it to be picked up by the ‘Mega Dealers’ or barely-financed gamblers.
Additionally I’d be perfectly willing to bet that BMW (OK, Mini) mechanics can be easily trained to successfully repair Alfa’s, and that the dealers will understand customer relations well enough to soothe the ruffled feathers of the Nouveau -alfisti who encounter problems.
Finally, the BMW/Mini/Alfa customer is generally one that understands that maintenance is necessary.
Excellent! Excellent! Excellent! I still occasionally cry over the fact that I sold my 1967 Spider Veloce. I’d love a new Alfa to replace my 330i. A solid dealership would make a gamble on an new Alfa a reasonable bet.
A brilliant plan. I can’t wait to visit a Mini-Alfa dealer for some test drives. In fact, the next time around the Mini Clubman is on my short list of potential purchases.
I have two goals in my automotive life: to own a rotary-powered car, and to own an Alfa Romeo. Every year, Alfa Romeo says it’ll be selling cars here again two years from now… so I’m not holding my breath.
Why would MINI want to allow the MiTo to be sold next to it’s cars? Who would buy a MINI when given the choice?
So an Italian, a German, and a Brit walk into a bar…
I dunno, somebody finish that for me.
I had a comment but my brain stood still in awe of the 8C.
Ok, I scrolled down, speculation time:
This would probably be in the 2012 range, correct? So the new mini and MiTo would share a platform, with the MINIs being sold here (Coupe, Clubman, Convertible, Crossover). Alfa could offer the next (or current) generation 159, 159 wagon, Brera, GT, and Concertible without much overlap. Plus, 8C.
For those of us who can’t remember (weren’t alive?) the last time Alfa’s were in the States, how much do they tend to sell for? Are we talking BMW prices? Higher, lower?
This sounds great, but what happened to selling Alfas through Maserati/Ferrari dealers?
I agree with a previous poster. Too many things seem to keep changing in this coming incursion to our shores. Dealers, models [MiTo to the USA? – “YES!”..uhh..no..uuhh..maybe… / 500 Abarth to the USA? “YES!”…uhhh…maybe not..Maserati/Ferrari dealer network?..uhhh, Yes, er, no – MINI dealers? yes, for now (not there’s anything wrong with that)]
Regardless, after reading so much about the soul of Italian cars and the enthusiasm of Alfistis, I will line up to buy one when they come. Thinking about the new 149 (if they come stateside – “of course they will!….maybe”…)
How come no one has mentioned the fact BWM and Alfa(especially in RWD form) compete for basically the same customer. Someone is going to lose sales because of the other. I’m not complaining, anything to get Alfa back here will make me happy but I would like for them to have success not pull out because of poor sales again. Same with MINI and the MiTo, do we really need another GM-style dealership cannibalization.
I still don’t understand why they don’t go with their idea from way back when and sell Alfas and Fiats at Ferrari and Maserati dealers, they do own those 2 makes and there would be zero overlap.
This doesn’t seem to make much sense.
Isn’t the MiTo a direct competitor to the MINI? In fact, isn’t the Alfa Romeo line largely set up to compete with the BMW line?
Wild Ass Rumor of the Minute: this is the first step to a BMW/Fiat corporate merger.
(Oops, Redbarchetta beat me to it!)
BlueEr03 I’m not sure now but they used to be in the Audi/BMW range. I would bet they are still in that same price range since they compete with the German’s in Europe.
I assume this means no Fiat 500 for the states. I can’t imagine BMW selling it along side the MINI for fear of losing sales.
I think this is a good deal for Alfa. Let’s hope their cars are reliable enough for the U.S. market.
I suspect that the problem with selling Alfas at Ferrari or Maserati dealers is that it might bring the image of those dealerships down in the minds of the people who actually buy new Ferraris and Maseratis. You wouldn’t put VWs or Audis in Bentley dealers for fear of turning off Bentley customers, even though they share a parent company. Ditto with selling Minis through the Rolls-Royce network.
I’ll just assume that Alfa’s never coming to these shores and be pleasantly surprised when they do.
I took three cold showers… I’m still in abject lust for that 8C. My GAWD what a gorgeous car!
–chuck
For some reason I’ve never been able to ascertain, Seattle doesn’t have a MINI dealer. Considering that the Seattle Alfa Romeo scene is surprisingly robust (you see Alfas from as far back as the Sixties being driven regularly still), I’d be surprised if Fiat forced Seattle Alfisti to travel to either Richmond, B.C. or Tacoma to get their fix.
Is it a prudent thing to bring Alfa here for Mini?
Cant comment how much more reliabla had they became now? Atleast BMW & Minis share a more solid reputation. No need to program Mr.Hook’s towing on your cell phone #1 speed dial.
Brilliant!
Can’t wait to test drive the Brera. It’s such a stunner!
it would be odd if they didnt use the existing dealer network – it seems to me that they (the current network) might like a few new models to sell. Also, they might sell the new 500, at least in Abareth drag.
Since it is an essentially new brand coming to America why not avoid the dealer francise laws and set up Fiat-owned sales outlets? Wouldn’t this help them leap-frog the competition that are still tied to antiquated sales channels? Would it be legal?
Just wondering if anyone remembers what happened the last time Germans and Italians got together? And, I am not talking about when my parents conceived me.
Just wondering if anyone remembers what happened the last time Germans and Italians got together?
Almost 60 yrs ago, when Fuhrer chummed up with Generalissimo Mussolini. Hope history won’t repeat itself I mean the fallout.
Perhaps we don’t see the full picture, or us seeing GM Merge with Ford or Chrysler. Kind of unlikely it will fly.
Or haven’t had enuf with the Engrish patient need an Italian patient badly.
why not avoid the dealer francise laws and set up Fiat-owned sales outlets? Wouldn’t this help them leap-frog the competition that are still tied to antiquated sales channels? Would it be legal?
Anybody wth hard earned money that invested few Mil to open up a car dealsership wants some assurance thats is gong to be a long time of support but not good times.
The ones who made $$ real quick not necessary legal will worry u even more as they have Uzzi and AK 47 on both hands.