Most of these questions now lie, obviously, with Fiat, who is still trying to determine what other models from its line-up are best suited for the US market. So far, it seems they have decided to bring only the 500 as a Fiat in the US, and a few other models, rebranded as Chryslers.
Now, its time for the Italians to take a close look to their newest favorite baby, the MiTo, and decide whether to bring it in the US or not. According to Sergio Cravero, Alfa Romeo CEO, a US-bound MiTo may not be such a good idea.
"A preliminary product assessment for a sporty three-door small hatchback showed potential volumes in the U.S. right now are roughly 20,000 units a year," Cravero was quoted as saying by Autonews. "That is not enough to make it a viable business case."
Alfa is looking on re-entering the US in 2011, with the Milano, a vehicle expected to debut at next year's Geneva Auto Show. Until then, Alfa will work with Chrysler to determine what platforms will be built in the US.
"We have to review the possible platform and manufacturing synergies emerging from Chrysler's new product plan," Cravero said. "Then we can finalize our product grid for the U.S."
The only question still remaining, for those of us who are watching, is the following: if the MiTo is too small for the US, the 500 isn't?
Google News