by "LJ909" (lj909)
Published 06/06/2017 at 17:51
by "LJ909" (lj909)
Published 06/06/2017 at 17:51
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FCA boss Sergio Marchionne and auto analysts seem to have differing views when it comes to how well Alfa Romero is going to do sales wise. Earlier this yea, Sergio stated he wants to see global Alfa sales of 170,000, with the brand being profitable by 2018. The release of the Giulia and Stelvio have helped the brand come back to the US market place as well. Sergio also seems to be placing his bets on how well the Stelvio will do since the crossover market is hot right now.
However, analysts don’t share Sergio’s optimism. Its not the product, they just don’t think that the brand will generate the kinds of sales hes hoping. Automotive News reports that market research firm IHS Markit only sees global sales of 120,000, with 25,000 of those being the Stelvio. They see that doing better than the Giulia seeing as sedan sales have been down industry wide. While Sergio has hopes for the Stelvio, its not going to be alone. The first of 2 new crossovers are planned, but they wont see the market until 2019 and 6 new models overall to the whole lineup by 2020.
Honestly, as much as I love the new Giulia, I don’t even see them selling 120 thousand worldwide, and not even close to that here in the US. In May there was 883 Giulia’s sold with total YTD sales being just 2,483. Sadly I see the brand as being a sort of niche here in the US. Do you guys think they will be able to meet not only their global goal, but a good number here in the US?
"Land_Yacht_225" (nadenator)
06/06/2017 at 18:14, STARS: 2
All I know is that there are people out there who remember Alfa from the early 90s. My dad’s best friend from High School had a 164 Q4, and my parents couldn’t get approved for financing on a 164 L in, like, 92?
At any rate, my mom wants a Gulia Lusso bad, and she isn’t really a car person. She has her Jag S-Type R because she likes how it looks, I’ve never seen her take the 4.2 Supercharged over 2,500 RPM. My main point being that I don’t underestimate the fashion statement that I believe an Alfa Romeo can become to non-enthusiasts.
"misfitmascots" (misfitmascots)
06/06/2017 at 18:17, STARS: 1
I don’t see it happening. The Giulia, as good as it is just isn’t going to do it. You have only 2 engine choices and a $30k gap separating them. Where’s the mid ground. Not to mention after promising a manual for the US they didn’t. The Stelvio looks like every other compact crossover. Why enter such a crowded market? Should’ve made it explorer size probably would attract more customers, same as the jaguar Fpace. As much as I don’t care for their designs, I would still like to see them succeed but I just don’t see it.
"Manwich - now Keto-Friendly" (manwich)
06/06/2017 at 18:32, STARS: 1
I think it has more to do with the dealer network that the cars themselves.
I think Alfa only has 1/10 of the dealers that BMW has (as one example).
Hell... I think there are more Tesla stores around than Alfa Romeo dealers.
If Alfa Romeo had similar dealer coverage to BMW or Mercedes-Benz, then I think the 170,000 unit sales prediction would be easy to attain.
But to hit that volume by the end of 2018, I suspect they will need to increase the number of dealers.
"LJ909" (lj909)
06/06/2017 at 19:02, STARS: 0
I don’t think there will ever been stand alone Alfa dealers. They either have to open my Fiat stores that happen to sell Alfa’s or more Maserati stores, which I don’t see happening either.