Fiat and Alfa Romeo Plan 16-Model North American Lineup by 2016
Fiat-Chrysler aims to expand its North American range to 16 Fiat and Alfa Romeo models by 2016, including new entries from both brands and the Alfa 4C sports car.
Fiat-Chrysler announced it will offer 16 Fiat and Alfa Romeo models in North America by 2016, marking a major expansion from its current line-up. The plan, revealed by the company in early 2013, targets 10 Fiat models and six Alfa Romeos available through Chrysler’s US and Canadian dealer network within three years.
Fiat’s expanded North American range
Fiat’s North American offering stood at two models in early 2013: the 500 and its convertible 500c, with the Abarth performance variant also available. The company planned to add the 500e electric city car and the 500L small MPV during 2013. According to the announcement, Fiat aimed to reach nine models by 2015 and 10 by 2016, although the company did not specify the full list at the time.
This expansion would see Fiat moving beyond the 500 family, likely introducing new bodystyles and possibly additional nameplates. The company’s strategy relies on using Chrysler’s established dealer network to distribute its growing line-up, following the model used for the Fiat 500’s US launch.
Alfa Romeo’s US return with the 4C
Alfa Romeo, absent from the US market for nearly two decades, confirmed its return with the 4C sports car. The 4C was scheduled to arrive in North America late in 2013, with production handled by Maserati in Modena at a rate of 2,500 units per year. Priced in Europe at around €50,000, the 4C was positioned to compete with the likes of the Porsche Cayman and Lotus Exige.
Fiat-Chrysler stated that five Alfa Romeo models would be on sale in North America by 2015, rising to six by 2016. Details of the additional Alfa models were not disclosed, but the expansion was part of a broader strategy to revive Alfa’s global presence. The company’s CEO, Sergio Marchionne, had previously outlined ambitious plans for Alfa’s relaunch, including the introduction of an Alfa Romeo SUV and the use of new platforms shared with Chrysler and Fiat.
Platform sharing and future prospects
Chrysler had already begun using Alfa Romeo technology in its North American models. The Dodge Dart, for example, was built on a platform derived from the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. This approach allowed Fiat-Chrysler to accelerate model development and tailor European designs for US preferences.
Fiat’s majority stake in Chrysler enabled the group to coordinate product planning across both sides of the Atlantic. The 16-model target reflected Marchionne’s push to merge Fiat and Chrysler operations by 2015, aiming for a unified line-up and greater economies of scale. While the company did not release a full breakdown of the planned models, the strategy signalled a renewed commitment to both brands in North America, with Alfa Romeo’s return drawing particular attention from enthusiasts and dealers alike.
