Alfa Romeo Changes Its Mind—Gas Engines Are Staying (Cars)

 

Alfa Romeo Changes Its Mind—Gas Engines Are Staying (Cars)

Like dominoes, aspirational EV goals are collapsing one after the other across the automotive sector. Alfa Romeo is the latest brand to reverse its initial decision to eliminate combustion engines. The Italian company, part of the Stellantis empire, had planned to go 100% electric in North America by 2027, but those plans have changed. The new goal is to implement a "multi-energy" approach, which includes gas, electric, and plug-in hybrid automobiles.

According to Automotive News, Alfa Romeo North America CEO Chris Feuell stated at the NADA Show that forcing dealers to sell solely electric vehicles in just a few years would be too limiting. "We've got 110 dealers ... in our US network, and it would be very challenging for them to survive with a BEV-only portfolio." The company already has enough troubles, with US sales decreasing by 19% last year to 8,865 vehicles.

It's worth recalling that when Alfa Romeo first announced its intention to go all-electric in North America, the firm also stated that it would do the same in Enlarged Europe and China. It's uncertain whether the 2027 aim is still valid in such places. Still, previous CEO Jean-Philippe Imparato recently stated that Alfa can expand its powertrain lineup by keeping gas engines for the long term if that is what customers want.

Imparato stated that the company's new CEO, Santo Ficili, "has the flex" to introduce ICE versions of the Giulia and Stelvio replacements. The two models will be built on the STLA Large platform, which, like the Dodge Charger, is designed to accommodate both gas and electric drivetrains. The SUV will be available later this year, followed by the sedan in 2026.

Alfa Romeo, like the other Stellantis brands, is dealing with an inventory problem. Approximately half of the automobiles sitting on dealer lots in the United States are 2024MY vehicles, thus reductions are planned for the first quarter of 2025 to clear unsold inventory. To move inventory, the gas-powered Tonale will be available for a $399 monthly lease.

Alfa Romeo Changes Its Mind—Gas Engines Are Staying (Cars)

The Junior crossover, formerly known as Milano, is not available in America. However, last week, US dealers were questioned if the smaller crossover should be granted a US visa to be positioned beneath the Tonale. In Europe and other areas, Alfa sells the subcompact model with a mild-hybrid three-cylinder, 1.2-liter turbo engine and as a pure EV.

At the other end of the range, Alfa Romeo is developing a new supercar to succeed the 33 Stradale. It, too, will have a retro look and is set to enter the market in 2026. The previous flagship was marketed as the company's final ICE supercar, but given the loosened EV ambitions, we wouldn't be surprised if there is still a gas version.