Stellantis launched the new Alfa Romeo Tonale SUV with the aim of expanding the premium market and adding electric vehicles.
The new model, named after the Alpine track in northern Italy, will compete in a segment filled with some of Europe's most popular premium cars such as the BMW iX1, Mercedes GLA (EQA) and Audi Q3.
The world's fourth-largest automaker plans to spend more than 30 billion euros (34.2 billion US dollars) through 2025 electrifying its lineup of vehicles and upgrading software content to catch up with competitors, including Tesla.
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Tonale includes a built-in Amazon Alexa voice assistant feature. Owners will be able to select their car as the place of delivery, allowing the courier to safely unlock the door and leave the package in the vehicle.
“This marks a step towards our group being a technology company,” said head of the brand Jean-Philippe Imparato during a web presentation.
The new Tonale, to be built at Italy's Pomigliano plant near Naples, is Alfa Romeo's first electric vehicle and is initially offered in a mild hybrid model as well as a diesel engine model.
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A plug-in hybrid version, with an electric range of up to 80 kilometers, will arrive later this year.
Imparato did not provide details on when the all-electric version could be released. Sales prices are expected to be announced before orders open in April.
Some analysts say the Alfa Romeo brand could be part of Stellantis' strategy in China, the world's largest auto market, where it lags behind most competitors.
Imparato has promised the release of a new model for Alfa Romeo every year until 2026, starting with the 2022 Tonale, including a smaller SUV, expected to be built in Poland.
Starting in 2027, all new Alfa Romeo vehicles will be all-electric, he said.
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Stellantis was formed last year through the merger of Fiat Chrysler and Peugeot PSA, and is home to 14 brands, including Jeep, DS and Lancia in the premium segment and Maserati in the luxury segment.
The new Alfa Romeo Tonale is based on the previous Fiat Chrysler architecture, while the first Stellantis models built on the new shared platform are expected to start next year.
