Re: Alfa return

[PWestafer@domain.elided]

Just let me order mine from Switzerland . . . 

Instead of waiting for GM to decide if it wants to import Alfas, put Chevy 
V6s and Powerglides in them or whatever, let's just ease up on the rules for 
individual importation.  If a Swiss market car meets similar emissions specs, 
then allow us to import a Swiss market Alfa - just waive the crash test 
requirement, please.  E could place the order online, arrange for payment and 
shipping, and in just a few weeks, have a 2001 Alfa in my garage.  I might 
have to give up something on warranty coverage, but hey, I'm not buying a 
Buick.  There are plenty of Alfa shops that would love to pick up service for 
the new cars - it would expand and sustain their business for decades to come.

I too would love to be able to buy a new Alfa in the U.S., just like the 
citizens of most other industrialized countries can do.  When I was in Japan 
a few years ago, I was amazed at the varieties of Alfas I saw cruising the 
streets of Tokyo.  Although I'm not particularly excited about buying an Alfa 
from a GM dealer, I guess I would if they were available.  However, this is a 
country driven by marketing, where with a few exceptions, the lowest common 
denominator rules, and I'm not optimistic that GM will ever see the bottom 
line dollars in the Alfa play.

Personally I like the mysterious quality of Alfa ownership - the average 
person on the street doesn't know if it's a Fiat or a Ferrari.  When I 
describe a problem I'm having with my 93 164L to a Camry owner, I simply say, 
"Well, the production guy was working on that part, then took a three hour 
lunch, drank a little wine, and when he returned he went on to something 
else.  Like most people, the car has character, not perfection.  It's my 
partner, not my servant."

Later.  I'm writing my Congressman.

Peter Westafer
Berkeley Lake, GA
pwestafer@domain.elided

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