Alfa Romeo Delays Product Launch to 2020

Kuala Lumpur: The Italian carmaker has once again revised its car launch plans for the much anticipated eight new models. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) CEO Sergio Marchionne announced recently that they have completely revised their business plan for the brand, Alfa Romeo.

So, now it is confirmed that the Alfa Romeo’s business plan is delayed by two years. That means those eight models including the Alfa Romeo Giulia, which were planned to launch by 2018, are extended to 2020. This will not only sadden the Alfa Romeo fans across the globe but also it will drop a huge amount of sales volume for the company. According to the original plan, the global sales of Alfa Romeo was touted to be 400,000 units by 2018, but as per the revised FCA plan the company has no volume indications for future.

This is not the first time that Alfa Romeo has delayed the launch of its models, the story dates back with the delay launch of Alfa Romeo models a decade ago during the Fiat Group’s 2006 Product Plan. The most recent one is the delayed launch of Giulia Quadrifoglio sedan and the upcoming Giulia-based SUV. Apart from it, the company has also delayed the launch of its highly anticipated BMW 3 Series Rival, the Alfa Romeo Giulia. The car has been showcased at various motor shows but it is not yet arrived in the market. FCA boss Sergio Marchionne has gone on record to say that Alfa Romeo Giulia production will begin in this quarter.

A recent presentation on Alfa Romeo's website suggested that FCA’s latest business plan will touch various other planned models. First one is the Giulia, which was earlier revealed in the high performance outfit last year in June. We will probably see it at the dealerships this year. Next in line is the Alfa Romeo's first crossover, which will be based on the Giulia, it is expected to launch in Europe by late 2016 or early 2017. Apart from these the other cars are not much in the priority list, and they will appear between 2017 and 2020. These 6 other models, includes a hatchback, a full size sedan, 2 CUV (Compact Utility Vehicle) or SUVs, and 2 “specialty vehicles”.

But considering the past business plans of the company, we cannot assure that all the models will be launched by 2020. Therefore, we can not rise any expectations from the Italian carmaker until and unless we don't see the car in the showrooms.