Alfa / Fiat / DC

["Stanley Yep" <stanalfa@domain.elided>]

I completely agree with Mat. You may like or dislike Fiat SpA, but it was 
the best solution for Alfa back in 87 in my opinion (or you would have 
prefered Ford just for the sake of maintaining Alfa in North America?).

Alfa Romeo is making a come back in the rest of the world. It has a fresh 
new image since the 155. The cars are better built. It complies with all the 
world's safety regulations (but NA). So think about it. It is the US 
government protecting it's boring industry that is keeping some beautiful 
cars off your shores. Not only Alfa Romeo and Lancia but also some french 
nice cars such as Peugeot (406 / 406 Coupe, 206 GTI), Renault (Megane, Clio 
V6) and Citroen (Xantia, Xsara, Saxo).

Since Fiat bought Alfa they introduced the 155 and won the 93 DTM and 94 
BTCC and several Superturismo championships in Italy (last one on 1999 with 
the 156). They finished 2nd on the South American touring car championship 
in 97 and 3rd in 98 and 99. They introduced nice compact cars (145 / 146), 
the 155 and it's beautiful replacement 156 (Car of the year in 1998), the 
166 and the GTV / Spider (that stole the show at the Paris Motor Show in 
1994).
Besides that Ferrari is maintaining it's independence and keeps presenting 
exciting cars, Maserati has the awesome GT3200 and Lancia has the new Lybra.

Don't get me wrong. I love classic Alfas. I wish Alfa management would have 
made better decisions back in the 80's and remained independent, but I think 
that with Fiat things are not that bad. I will hate to see an Alfa Neon, or 
a Spider that looks like a Prowler designed in California. Or Alfa being 
used as a cheaper alternative to a MB on the same showroom. There is nothing 
wrong with german cars. They are good cars. They are just not an Alfa Romeo.

Cheers,

Stan

- ----------
Date: Tue, 08 Feb 2000 09:50:39 +0800
From: Matthew Killick <m.killick@domain.elided>
Subject: Audi vs Alfa

<snip> "Remember, it is US government *not Fiat* policy that ensures that 
citizens of the land of the free can only buy what they are allowed, rather 
than what they want"

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