Stellantis Boss Says Alfa Romeo Cars Will Be Around In The USA For At Least Another Decade

Oct. 19, 2022 4:00 PM ET by Gerhard Horn Industry News / 7 Comments

No need to worry about the beloved Italian brand.

Stellantis has steadily been working through its various brands, making announcements about future plans and products. As far as the American audience is concerned, we know what's coming for Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, Mopar, and Ram.

Unfortunately, not much has been said about Alfa Romeo except that the new Tonale is coming. And looking at the sales figures, one can't help but be worried about the Italian brand's future. Alfa peaked in 2018, selling 23,800 vehicles. The final sales figures for 2022 are obviously not known yet, but we're nearly at the end of October, and Alfa hasn't even reached 10,000 units.

According to the CEO of Stellantis, Carlos Tavares, we need not be worried. Alfa's future is secure for at least the next ten years.

Tavares addressed the media at the Paris Motor Show and stated that Alfa is doing well. Autocar was in attendance at the show, where Tavares spoke openly about Alfa's current position.

"Alfa is going very well. The business has been turned around, and it is profitable. It is now in a position to fund its own future - it's safe," he said. "The turnaround was done even before the launch of Tonale. This will be a record year for the brand. Alfa is set for the next ten years. Since we created Stellantis, its turnaround has been spectacular."

It's worth noting that Tavares was referring to the European market, where the Tonale is already on sale. It will only hit North American dealerships in early 2023 as the first model launched under Alfa's new upmarket brand identity.

The Tonale has been well received in Europe. Alfa already has 20,000 orders and plans to sell 45,000 units in 2023.

In America, the Tonale will arrive with two hands tied behind its back, trying to ice skate uphill. Alfa's sister company, Dodge, swooped in and took over the Tonale design, which obviously upset the Italians. The Dodge Hornet is essentially a Tonale with a Dodge badge and a more exciting powertrain. A few days after Dodge unveiled the Hornet, it already had 14,000 pre-orders. The Hornet will also be cheaper, and American audiences will be more inclined to buy from a US-based brand.

Thankfully, Europe will keep Alfa Romeo alive, not that it matters all that much. Brilliant vehicles like the Giulia and Stelvio will eventually fade away and will be replaced with EVs. While we're all for electrification, an electric Alfa just feels wrong.

Mercifully, Alfa will potentially say goodbye to ICE with one final gas-powered sports car.