Re: US market overcrowded with brands???

[James Bratek <james_bratek@domain.elided>]

> Which brings me to another point---I think the best opportunity for Alfa's
> return is through the Ferrari/Maserati connection,
> if Maserati can make an impact here.  The dealer network is established (if
> small), and putting Alfas in with higher-priced
> sports cars will be a real image boost, along with the reputation of luxury
> dealership service.

I agree with this. It's a winning formula because it provides the customer
with a complete one-stop upgrade path: start with Alfa, move up to a
Maserati, and then to Ferrari. This is the general structure of most product
lineups (example: BMW 3-Series to 5-Series to 7-Series) and is a trusted
model to follow. Porsche+Audi did something like this in the 1980s.

 
> Write letters to congressmen, encouraging them to loosen grey market import
> laws, so we can take a trip across the pond
> and come home with an Alfa.  If it's good enough for EU regs, it should be
> good enough for ours.

Bad idea. Who would service these cars? What banks would offer lease deals?
Warranties? Insurance? This route would most likely cause MORE damage to
Alfa's reputation, by going the road less traveled, instead of following
what consumers are accustomed to and feel comfortable with (prestige dealer
showrooms, service lounges with espresso bars and loaner cars,
factory-subsidized lease programs, etc).

Jim
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