Report: Alfa Giulietta station wagon due in 2013
A compact wagon has been absent from the Fiat, Alfa and Lancia brands since the 2008 retirement of the Fiat Stilo Multi Wagon. Now, Alfa Romeo is bringing the wagon back to its European Giulietta line for 2013.
In Italy, Germany, and other key European markets, wagons account for as much as three quarters of compact segment sales, and close to a quarter of the sales in Europe overall. With no current competitor in the segment there, this will fill the gap for Fiat S.p.A.
As Alfa expands its line up, the new Giuletta wagon will also help dealers increase sales until upcoming Chrysler-provided crossover and mid-sized Giulia models hit showrooms. The brand only now has the MiTo subcompact and the Giulietta available.
The Giulietta made up 60 percent of total European sales for Alfa, data from the ACEA shows, and Alpha’s sales increased to 122,401 units, up 21 percent through November this year. The wagon is expected to further improve these numbers.
Alpha has no plans to bring the wagon variant to the U.S., as the body style does not do as well as crossovers and sedans, but may send a hatchback to the U.S. for 2013 instead.
– By: Alexandra Koken
Source: AutoNews
