Photo: Fiat
Alfa Romeo’s return to the US has been hit by a number of difficulties over the years, but it seems most of the bumps have been ironed out. The 4C is just a few months away from its arrival Stateside, which has been confirmed for the end of the second quarter. However, there’s a problem with where to sell it.
Just like the 8C, which was a glorified Maserati GranTurismo, the 4C will be sold in limited numbers through Maserati dealerships in the US. According to Detroit News, however, there will also be a select few flagship Fiat dealerships that will be allowed to sell the 4C.
“They have not been identified yet,” says Rick Deneau, a spokesman for the recently formed Fiat Chrysler.
Without brochures, order guides and connections to the Alfa factory configurations, we struggle to understand how Fiat dealerships are supposed to sell 4Cs on such short notice. The sportscar will also be in very short supply, since production can’t exceed 3,500 units per year, due to the complexity of the carbon fiber tub. Of that figure, maybe about 500 a year should find their way stateside.
Having a brand that wants to sell two types of vehicles, normal and premium, is always a delicate balance. Normal car dealerships aren’t equipped to handle high-end customers and won’t be able to put an exciting new sportscar in the best light possible. That’s why Toyota, for example, has different types of dealerships in Japan. Some sell only cheap cars, others very small kei cars and some the premium, large models. Yesterday, it was announced that only about 30% of North American Kia dealership would be getting the flagship K900.
When setting up their franchises, Fiat dealerships were promised they would be able to sell Alfa Romeos as well. However, there’s still hope for the vast majority of Fiat USA retailers, since more mainstream models like the Giulietta hatch and the Giulia sedan are also expected in the US.
“They have not been identified yet,” says Rick Deneau, a spokesman for the recently formed Fiat Chrysler.
Without brochures, order guides and connections to the Alfa factory configurations, we struggle to understand how Fiat dealerships are supposed to sell 4Cs on such short notice. The sportscar will also be in very short supply, since production can’t exceed 3,500 units per year, due to the complexity of the carbon fiber tub. Of that figure, maybe about 500 a year should find their way stateside.
Having a brand that wants to sell two types of vehicles, normal and premium, is always a delicate balance. Normal car dealerships aren’t equipped to handle high-end customers and won’t be able to put an exciting new sportscar in the best light possible. That’s why Toyota, for example, has different types of dealerships in Japan. Some sell only cheap cars, others very small kei cars and some the premium, large models. Yesterday, it was announced that only about 30% of North American Kia dealership would be getting the flagship K900.
When setting up their franchises, Fiat dealerships were promised they would be able to sell Alfa Romeos as well. However, there’s still hope for the vast majority of Fiat USA retailers, since more mainstream models like the Giulietta hatch and the Giulia sedan are also expected in the US.
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