With the Tonale, Alfa Romeo’s first new mannequin because it launched the Stelvio midsize SUV in 2016, the Stellantis subsidiary is becoming a member of the compact SUV phase for the primary time. In Europe alone, this phase accounts for two.5 to three million gross sales a yr, Alfa CEO Jean-Philippe Imparato stated, which is why he believes a profitable launch of the Tonale may double Alfa’s international quantity to greater than 100,000 by 2023. Imparato shared his gross sales outlook for the model with Automotive Information Europe Affiliate Writer & Editor Luca Ciferri and Correspondent Andrea Malan.
How did Alfa Romeo carry out in 2021?
Final yr we delivered 55,000 automobiles worldwide, down from 63,300 in 2020. That determine included 14,400 models of the Giulietta compact hatchback, which we stopped making in late 2020, however nonetheless accounted for 4,800 gross sales final yr. Take away the Giulietta from each years and we grew by 1,300 models final yr to 50,200 models versus 2020. Europe accounted for 50 p.c of our international gross sales, with half of that quantity coming from Italy. A 3rd of our international gross sales had been in North America, with the Asia-Pacific area accounting for the remainder. Within the D (midsize) phase, if we solely rely fashions powered by inner combustion engines — which is what we at present provide on the Giulia and Stelvio — our share was up in all places, besides China.
How a lot of successful did Alfa absorb Europe as a result of it would not have electrified variations of the Giulia and Stelvio, particularly with fleet clients?
On fleets, which account for roughly half of Alfa’s gross sales in Europe, no having electrified fashions value us 30 p.c of our potential gross sales. That interprets into about 15 p.c of our complete gross sales. We additionally misplaced gross sales with non-public clients in nations equivalent to France and Belgium, the place automobiles which have excessive CO2 emissions are closely taxed. The shift to electrified fashions has additionally been speedy. For instance, electrified gross sales in Italy within the phase the place we compete rose to 79 p.c in late 2021 from 29 p.c in early 2020. To compete, it’s a must to react shortly. That’s the reason the brand new Tonale compact SUV might be provided with hybrid powertrains from the beginning.
What number of Tonale plug-in hybrids do you count on to promote?
It is actually troublesome to say for the time being. We are going to launch the 275-hp plug-in hybrid model in October. Meaning, the plug-in hybrid will hit the market in 2023, at which era I need it to have a really excessive share. A lot will rely upon the CO2 rules in every European market. In nations with strict CO2 guidelines the Tonale plug-in hybrid model’s share may attain 80 p.c. One other key manufacturing unit is the CO2 degree we’ve got to succeed in inside Stellantis’ EU-wide technique.
What number of Tonales does Alfa plan to promote?
It is not about quantity as a result of quantity doesn’t equal profitability. One p.c of Europe’s compact SUV market could be 25,000 automobiles; 3 p.c 75,000. We have now nice flexibility at our plant in Pomigliano, Italy [where the Tonale will be built]. On condition that the Tonale will debut in June, we’ll be completely happy if we promote 30,000 models this yr. For the complete yr, the Tonale’s international gross sales potential may very well be within the vary of 70,000 to 80,000 models. Europe may account for 45,000 to 60,000 models, with 10,000 to fifteen,000 doable within the U.S.
Does that imply the Tonale’s break-even level is simply 45,000 models?
It is a lot decrease than that. We do not have to push the product to maintain the Pomigliano plant open as a result of the manufacturing unit builds the [high-volume] Fiat Panda. If we make 30,000 Tonales, that will not be an issue. That is a strategic selection. We’re know the place we’re ranging from. You’ll be able to’t construct a premium model if you’re beneath strain to make excessive volumes.