Date: 14 May 2002 10:11:44 -0700 From: nycgsmnopsamo.com (GSM NYC) Subject: 9-3X Maybe Delayed
From autoweek.com Alfa-Romeo's projected re-entry into North Amercian market may be delayed Alfa Romeo’s projected re-entry into the North American market may be postponed due to widespread financial troubles within Fiat Auto and its holding company, Fiat Group. Fiat and partner General Motors had planned to bring Alfa back to America starting with the next Spider at the end of 2004 for the 2005 model year, but sources in Europe say that plan has been scrapped. Turns out also, says our source, that the next Spider itself is in question due to lack of cash to properly develop its new platform and then re-tool the factory to build it. Saab’s 9-3X also could be affected, considering the next Spider platform was expected to underpin the all-wheel-drive hatch. Another fun machine suffering from this uncertainty is the Italdesign-Giugiaro Alfa Romeo Brera concept. It finds itself well down the list of priorities as Fiat tries to survive and deal with the possibility that 20 percent shareholder General Motors may exercise an option to buy the entire company in January 2004.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
