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Delay in Alfa reappearance confirmed

Return of Alfa Romeo to North-American market postponed until Q2 2014

Published: September 26, 2013, 12:00 AM
Updated: November 22, 2021, 4:05 PM

Alfa Romeo 4C - Driving tour of New Orleans – When I first visited New Orleans nearly two years after Hurricane Katrina had hit, I was absolutely stunned not only by the enormous destruction, but also by the spirit of the people that were trying desperately to rebuild. Portions that were completely abandoned with row after row of houses and small businesses clashed with the brashness of the French Quarter and even parts of downtown that thrived mere metres from the collapse. An Alfa Romeo 4C not only would have seemed out of place in the squalor, it would have difficulty navigating the terrain.

The long-awaited return of the Alfa Romeo brand to the North-American market has now been postponed until the second quarter of 2014.

Last year, Fiat/Chrysler CEO, Sergio Marchionne announced that Fiat would start selling the Alfa Romeo 4C sports car on this continent before the end of 2013. After waffling on that commitment last January, he reconfirmed that intent.

As production has begun and more details about the 4C have been revealed, however, the timing of its arrival on these shores has become less certain.

Now, according to the auto industry publication, Automotive News, a Chrysler spokesman has confirmed that the launch will be delayed, "probably" until the second quarter of 2014.

But it's delayed, not canceled. In a filing for an IPO earlier this week, according to Automotive News, Chrysler reportedly referred to sale of the Alfa Romeo in the United States and Canada as, "our entry into the premium vehicle market."

So don't give up on your dreams to own a 4C just yet.