Jean-Philippe Imparato, the CEO of Alfa Romeo, has expressed a strong desire to introduce an all-electric SUV akin to the Ferrari Purosangue for the U.S. and Chinese markets. However, he acknowledges that the outcome of European elections and the U.S. presidential election could compel the company to reassess its strategies.
Alfa Romeo’s roadmap includes an all-electric fastback SUV based on the STLA Large platform, slated for a 2027 release. Yet, the potential reelection of Donald Trump in the U.S. raises concerns, as it could lead to delays or freezes in state bans on new combustion-powered car sales and a rollback of incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act. In such a scenario, Alfa Romeo might pivot towards launching a small electric hatchback in Europe instead.
Imparato commented, “My gut would call for giving Alfa an electric sports car similar to the Purosangue, but we also have to watch how geopolitics and global markets could evolve, eventually choosing a more Europe-oriented small hatchback.”
The upcoming European Union parliament elections in June could also impact Alfa Romeo’s plans, particularly regarding the enforcement of BEV-only sales by 2035.
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Alfa Romeo has halted its product plan until 2026 and aims to finalize its decision on the new 2027 model by the end of this year. Imparato emphasized the significance of a large SUV targeting the U.S. and Chinese markets in boosting the company’s sales outside of Europe from 18% to 40%.
The company’s immediate focus is on the new Milano, a sub-compact SUV. This model, available in both battery-electric and combustion-powered versions, will share its underpinnings with the Peugeot e-2008 and Jeep Avenger. Development is also underway for replacements for the Giulia sedan and Stelvio SUV.