ALFA and GM`

[C M Smith <cmsmith@domain.elided>]

Bittersweet news this is indeed. GM saved SAAB's bacon about 8 years ago. 
SAAB was just recently bought completely by GM pursuant (as we legal begals 
like to put it) to an option acquired when thye bought the first 50%. A 
share swap is an indication that FIAT is a sizeable chunk of automotive 
real estate to swallow in one go, but likely this will happen and FIAT will 
become yet another division of GM.

This means that GM will definitely want to market some of the FIAT group's 
product in NA, and ALFA is the prime candidate. In Canada that probably 
means we'll get them at our Saturn SAAB Isuzu dealers, a good thing as 
Saturn in Canada is extremely well organized with strong dealerships and 
modern facilities. ALFA will also sell well as a complement to SAAB, many 
of us ALFA lovers also like SAAB, for different reasons. One of each has 
served me well for the better part of a decade now (and I bought my last 
two SAABs used and the ALFA new, though heavily discounted).

The negatives are that GM can't resist softening up the suspension and 
overall driving feel of their Euro entries. They then sell like hotcakes, 
but not to the traditional market. Except that SAAB has done so well that 
they have been "allowed" to produce some sportier versions, including 
regular 9 3 with stiffer suspension and uprated turbo engines, the Viggen, 
the 9 5 Aero and even the 9 5 Aero in wagon form. I like ALFA's chances 
with GM to knock off some of the more absurd Italian idiosyncracies. A more 
mainstream car means the aftermarket will produce some hop up bits, more 
cars means more sales of aftermarket parts. Audi and BMW are prime examples 
of this phenomenon. If you start with a basic European design, you can 
restore it to full Euro performance specs for not a lot of cash these days.

bene ... as they say....bring on the ALFA's, my credit card awaits thee.

Michael Smith
Calgary, Alberta
Canada
91 Alfa 164L, White, original owner

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