Ferrari Mailing List: Re: Alfa-Romeo in North America

[Erik Nielsen (judge4re]

Well written!

As one of the Americans that does spend time outside of the states, it
is funny to see the biases. I am working on getting the 500
homologation project, even one of the chief engineers can't understand
why I want the first Abarth version.

On 9/3/09, Britt2Asa [at] aol.com <Britt2Asa [at] aol.com> wrote:
>
>
> Yeah Larry, "Europe" has heard of the Camry and the Accord and for the most
>  part has rejected them. The Camry is an old's man car in every way and
> wouldn't  sell here. The "European" Accord is not to bad but not better than
> the 3 series  or the A4. Expensive parts, indifferent dealers and a minimal
> price difference  means you aren't going to go gaga over a Jap Rep mobile.
> My
> neighbour has an  Accord. its "ok" but he is going German next time. I
> looked at one but just  ordered a new BMW. The RV on the Germans means they
> are
> cheaper to own and the  cleaner engines on the Germans (CO 2) means they are
> cheaper to run and  tax.
>
> In general you guys have a twisted view of Alfas. New Alfas are not the
> same as the older cars but seriously I can't be bothered to explain.....  :)
>
> When I met up with Clyde and a fellow Pilot friend and assorted girlfriends
>  at the British GP they were in two little rented Fiats. Both of them had
> nothing  bad to say about those little cars and really enjoyed them. Clyde
> understands  how good little Italian cars are! I don't think any American
> who
> hasn't been out  of the US and driven these cars (Fiat or Alfa) can really
> comment or understand  how good and fun they are. Then again driving in the
> states is more about how  many cup holders you can cram in and driving in a
> straight line slowly then  understanding driving feel and corners so that
> explains the dull fat assed Camry  sales perfectly!
>
> (Before you start some jumping up and down to hard remember I AM American
> and having lived and worked in the auto industry on both sides of the
> Atlantic  for the past 20 years.)
>
> I think you will see Alfas sold in the states in the next two years.
> Whether they sell is more a reflection about what Americans want and HOW
> they
> drive then a function of the car. I like the modern Alfas, the 159 would be
> a
> top choice but it was to pricey for me this round compared to the BMW. I
> was in  an 8C Spider last week and I tell you that thing is beautiful inside
> and  out!
>
> Britt
>
> Thx for  the info about my Alfa question.  Doesn't look like we'll see Alfa
>
> dealerships on every corner for a very long time.   I used to  hear about
> their rust problems - that were said to start on the assembly  line! -
> someone mentioned an issue with reliability also.   Yet  they keep selling
> well enough in Europe to stay in business.    Hasn't Europe heard about
> Accords and Camrys?
>
> Of course, a Alfa  would be preferable to an Accord for someone wanting a
> little personality  in their ride -
>
> Have a nice Thursday  -
> LarryT
>
>
>
>
>
> BR in the  UK
> 1986 328GTS (LHD 89,940km) Died August 19, 2006 Shrewsbury UK
> 1980 400i  (RHD 74,000 miles)
> Searching for the right 512TR
> 2003 BMW 530d
> 1991  Alfa Spider S4 LHD
> 1993 Alfa Spider S4 LHD
> _________________________________________________________________
> To unsubscribe or modify your subscription options, please visit:
> http://lists.ferrarilist.com/mailman/options/ferrari/judge4re%40gmail.com
>
> Sponsored by BooyahMedia.com
> and F1 Headlines
> http://www.F1Headlines.com/
>