MiTo Not Coming to U.S?

There has been a lot of discussion about what products will make it over to the United States as a result of the Chrysler-Fiat partnership. We know we're getting the Fiat 500 as most likely the Alfa Romeo Milano (147 replacement) and the MiTo was always seen as a likely candidate as well. Hence, my desire to see a GTA model of the car produced.

Apparently that prospect might not be as likely as we thought though, if comments from Alfa Romeo's CEO means anything (and trust me, they do).

I know small, sporty cars have traditionally done well in the United States but I figured that was changing. Mercedes-Benz has brought over the Smart car, Honda has the Fit and GM has the Aveo - Ford is bringing the Fiesta. The MiTo could be a perfect competitor to the MINI - but then so could the 500. That could be what they're thinking here - one is enough.

Sergio Cravero Alfa Romeo's CEO, says the MiTo is, "probably too small for today's U.S. market...a preliminary product assessment for a sporty three-door small hatchback showed potential volumes in the U.S. right now are roughly 20,000 units a year. That is not enough to make it a viable business case."

I am always one to analyze things from a business angle as well as just an enthusiast's perspective and I see where he is coming from. At 20,000 units a year, the MiTo wouldn't be profitable. Can the U.S market support both the MiTo and 500 at volumes of around 50,000 + units a year? It's always possible they could reconsider, but I definitely think if the Fiat 500 is successful in our markets, they'll think about bringing it over once again.