New Alfa Romeo Models Delayed

Alfa Romeo Giulia (Credit: Alfa Romeo)

Things just don’t seem to be going Fiat Chrysler’s way lately. First, GM laughed off the (admittedly ridiculous) proposal for a merger. Now, multiple publications are reporting that two key Alfa Romeo model launches will be delayed.

To be clear, right now Alfa Romeo isn’t saying anything to confirm or deny the delays, which probably means they’re not heresy. The hang-up appears to have something to do with the Giulia’s platform, meaning the performance sedan and the upcoming SUV that will share the same platform have both been delayed.

Originally, the Giulia was going to launch in the European market by the end of 2015, but undisclosed sources are saying that’s been pushed back six months. The unnamed SUV model’s launch reportedly has been pushed back nine months, or early 2017. Both will reach the United States three to six months after launching in Europe.

Among the reasons being cited for the delays is the turmoil in the Chinese market. In fact, the order of releases that we reported earlier will likely change, falling in line more with consumer tastes in the United States and Europe. Rumors are flying that an official adjustment will be announced by Fiat Chrysler in January. Until then, everyone is left guess what will be the automaker’s next move.

The most obvious strategy would be to advance the SUV models in the launch schedule, considering that lately Americans are lining up for such vehicles, thanks in part to falling gas prices. Many analysts feel that the large Alfa Romeo sedan will be pushed back in the schedule, considering that such products have fallen out of favor with car shoppers.

Automotive News has sources that claim the Giulia launch is also being delayed by Fiat Chrysler upgrading safety features and improving the sedan’s ride characteristics. Considering that it will go head-to-head against refined rivals such as the Mercedes C-Class and BMW 3 Series, taking a little extra time to craft a worthy opponent is likely a wise move.

Hopefully this new strategy will ensure a solid return of the Alfa Romeo brand as Fiat Chrysler searches for new ways to solidify its global market presence.