Re: Subject: USA taste and import restrictions alfa-digest V7 #1370

[Italiacars@domain.elided]

In a message dated 2/20/00 12:25:17 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
owner-alfa-digest@domain.elided writes:

<< So while I regret Alfa's departure, and long for their return, it was
 business and competition, combined with Alfa's own deficiencies, not
 ignorance or import restrictions that sent them away.  And you may not like
 DC, Ford or GM, but if you look at their annual reports and compare them
 with just about any other manufacturer, they must be doing something right,
 because they are making a ton of money making cars.  What did they do that
 Alfa/Citroen/Fiat/MG/Austin/Rover/Nissan/Mazda/Peugeot did not?>>>>

Rick,
    While you have made the best case for why Alfa failed, you missed one 
important factor. Alfa along with FIAT, Renault, Maserati and Lamborghini all 
at one time had distribution deals with Chrysler. All had strong niche market 
sales, but wanted to broaden their appeal and increase sales by teaming up 
with Chrysler. Every single one ended within 3 to 4 years. Soon after all 
were forced to pull out of North America. Chrysler is now the king of niche 
markets in North America. Lamborghini was slightly different since they were 
owned by Chrysler, but the results are about the same, Lamborghini has had 
some really rough years since Chrysler bailed out. Let's see what Audi does.

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