A worrying report from the USA

[poohbah]

Seems that the failure to provide Super-jumbo-sized slushee holders is working against the Giulia in Fat Arsamerica.

Hopefully its just a slow burn.

http://jalopnik.com/no-one-wants-to-buy-an-alfa-romeo-giulia-1796219373

[aggie57]

Well, I live in "Fat Arsamerica".  Re entering the market here is a huge challenge. Alfa's reputation here is still pretty average, rust jokes still abound, the competition is very well established.

It'll take at least a couple of years to get within cooee of BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Lexus, etc.  Our local Mercedes dealer sells 700-1000 cars a month. Yes, a month. Their online site is currently showing over 2000 new cars in stock....this is a volume game here. 

[poohbah]

Hey Aggie - apologies, there was no offence intended! Standard Jeremy Clarkson generalisation...

But yes you are right - and reading the comments under the article raises that point consistently, on top of the apparently appalling support and reputation of the FCA dealer network in the US.

I think it would be unfair to judge Alfa's success or otherwise for at least another 18 months

[carlo rossi]

Yeh I want super slushee holders on my vespa as well
and a cigarette lighter a hemp stand, and a small
snuff box and of course the mandatory gun rack

Time the world realised what is real and what is stupid

If I had my way there would be no cup holders
no cigar anything
I f I could change by scottish connelly $20,000 leather interior
in any way it would be an air purifer not just a filter
Who wants kids and adults with hot drinks or sugar syrup in a moving car

Who cleans it ? ME so no anyone wanting the above can walk

So maybe Alfa is making the healthy choice and people wanting those items arent Alfa buyers anyway
just espresso please and make it short

[poohbah]

No cup holders in my GTV or 156 Carlo, or cruise control, bluetooth, reversing sensors ...

[kaleuclint]

No eating.  No drinking.  No smoking. 

No need for cup holders.  My ashtray and lighter are in a box in the garage.

[bazzbazz]

156 Cup holders anyone?

http://www.ausalfa.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=9739&hilit=cup+holder

Baz

[poohbah]

I'm sure its practical, but damn, that's an ugly bit of kit Bazz.

[bazzbazz]

 

[aggie57]

Stupid is as stupid does.  Simple fact of the matter is without markets like the US and China there will be no Alfa Romeo. You need cup holders, you want cup holders, you'll damn well enjoy cup holders!  It's the 'Merican way!

[poohbah]

Looking at the comments under article, it sounds like they really haven't thought through the dealer model properly. Expecting leafspring-lovin jeep salesmen to push upmarket Euro sedans alongside pickups looks deeply flawed.

[carlo rossi]

All alfa has to do is sponsor the remake of "the Graduate" and sales will sore
everyone will want one
heh what a good idea who wants to make a movie?
we can call it "the dropout" or Mum I forgot to study I was busy..........

[poohbah]

haha - coincidentally, I watched the Graduate for the first time in at least 10 years on Foxtel last night. That duetto is definitely the star - but boy did they get the exhaust note wrong by overdubbing it with sound of a small block V8.

[carlo rossi]

cant believe you just watched it ,what a coincidence  check out  like ferris buellers day off
the car looks great but sounds like  a massey ferguson NO wonder there "is less than 100 made"
who would want one like that
https://youtu.be/iSjS-iCPeW8