Alfa Romeo Coming Back to U.S in 2012?

If there is one thing in the automotive industry that has been speculated about for a long time, it has been the return of Alfa Romeo. Throughout the 2000's there was many reports about when the introduction would take place, and with what models.

The Fiat-Chrysler partnership has made it a much more feasible proposition, as the brand will have access to Chrysler's extensive dealer network and support system. Now, Chief Executive Officer Sergio Marchionne has given a date for Alfa Romeo's United States re-entry.

Alfa Romeo is already here, if the 8C Competizione is to be considered, but we are talking about a mainstream re-introduction.

Marchionne was quoted in Automotive News as saying: “I'm a lot more confident now that Alfa Romeo will reconstitute a product offering that is acceptable globally, and more in particular in the United States and Canada...there is a strong likelihood that the brand will be back here within the next 24 months.”

Keep in mind that is a strong likelihood, not a total confirmation, but a return looks to be pretty close to it. If you'll remember the other option was sending Alfa Romeo models over to the United States under the Dodge brand.

It will be interesting to see where Alfa Romeo is positioned - some say more mainstream, some say a full-on competitor to BMW.

Models that aren't slated to come to our shores are the MiTo and Guilietta (147 replacement, formerly referred to as Milano).

It is likely we will see the new 166 replacement, which is based off of the same rear-wheel drive platform that underpins the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger. That would seem to indicate an upscale positioning.