[PR]

Italiaspeed are reporting the factory in Naples is no longer producing the 159. Apparently Alfa has built up some stock of 159s to see it through until the Giulia arrives, so orders now are for "stock" cars only.

The factory is currently being tooled up for the new Fiat Panda.

Sad times

 

[Hunter]

159 to Panda eh? I think we see where Fiat Spa's priorities lie.
All hope rests on the Mito and G. Nothing for mid-sized saloon sector Having said that, the new C-Class and upcoming 3 series will totally dominate that sector and the 159 looks out fo date pretty quickly

 

[giordano92]

Anyone have ideas about the final number of sales over its lifetime?

Salute, Giordano.

 

[GhostyDog]

italiaspeed.com

for the lazy amongst you

 

[Karl_T]

...... and the 159 looks out fo date pretty quickly

159 looks out of date? The 159 may have it's issues but I don't see looking out of date as being one of them any time soon.

The new 3 series and C class are, well just gonna look like more Mercs and BMW's. No more timeless and far less interesting.

Karl_T

 

[V6Alfisti]

I think Alfa are being a little short sighted here.

Enough stock to last until mid 2013 based on current sales or based on what they should be selling!?

The amount of revenue Alfa will be missing out on must be scary for senior management! They really need to remedy this situation imo, we all want the Giulia to be the best it can be but surely there must be a way of speeding it along (more resource?). :rant:

2 models in the line up is absolutely shocking and can see many people needing a new shiny Alfa and heading to the competition instead. Loyalty only goes so far!

PS: Still think the 159 is beautiful and aging certainly hasn't affected it in the same way as a 3 series (same with the lovely 156!)

 

[paulmacs]

2 cars in a model range smells of dying brand unfortunately...

 

[giordano92]

159 looks out of date? The 159 may have it's issues but I don't see looking out of date as being one of them any time soon.

The new 3 series and C class are, well just gonna look like more Mercs and BMW's. No more timeless and far less interesting.

Karl_T

I agree totally, i don't see the critics point of view to be honest. Yes there are a few flaws, but to me it has been a complete Alfa. Gorjuz, sexy, refined, solid, safe, it has a beautiful interior, its nice to drive and above all has that special "thing" about it.

It has a sense of spark that BM's, Audi and Merc's lack. James May also seemed to agree.

Now i must move to the point of where it currently leaves Alfa..........

At least there are enough numbers to carry to 2013, and Alfa can say there is a "saloon" on the market. Apparently a 159 SW will feature at Frankfurt. If the 159 does infact fully cease (only demos) then Alfa's identity will go out the window if they only sell hatchbacks. Alfa, known for sport saloons and sports coupes/convertibles will slowly diminish if they rely on only two models, both of the same form. I believe they should have at least kept the Brera on the market strictly for imagerial purposes until the 4C, and now with a reduction of the 159.... Alfa's pedigree is inexistent for the moment.

Lets hope the 4C hurries up.

Salute, Giordano.

 

[Guest]

That'll explain all the "Super" ones for sale a the dealer.
Standard spec package with no customisation of any
options available.

Alfa have withdrawn from the fleet market with this move.

Which makes sense as they lost that game early on in the 159s
lifecycle really.

 

[dpat]

Sad days, 2 models in the range..........deary me Alfa hurry that Giulia along but if you do will you risk making a hash of it and it not selling, or risk loosing potential customers to the Germans........

my 159 still looks superb and so far so good

 

[giordano92]

That'll explain all the "Super" ones for sale a the dealer.
Standard spec package with no customisation of any
options available.

Alfa have withdrawn from the fleet market with this move.

Which makes sense as they lost that game early on in the 159s
lifecycle really.

I remember seeing the 159 Super available in Italy aswell.

In your opinion Nev as you do have a broad perspective of Alfa that is truthful and assertive, do you feel the GFC played a part in the sales not being as high as originally anticipated?

Salute, Giordano.

 

[Guest]

GFC?

 

[GhostyDog]

GFC?

Global Financial Crisis

God you're so out of date Nev

For my part, if Alfa don't have a nice sporty replacement for my Brera in 2-3 years time then I will be looking at other brands.

 

[cloverleaf159]

hang on. if production has ceased and alfa say there is enough stock to satisfy demand till 2013, does that mean if you got one in 2013, the car is already 2 years old when you buy new?

 

[StescoG66]

'Tis a shame, but as has been well documented on here it has not been selling and has - sadly - been eclipsed by the Krauts in the sales charts as have nearly all large saloon cars. It's a sensible move in these straitened times and buys time for them to get the Giulia right - which if Giulietta is anything to go by they will. Patience is a virtue people. For a marque we all love there really is a lot of dissing of AR goes on here. The glory days alas are gone, and survival and improvement are the keys. Gotta build what sells to the wider audience and not what appeals only to the fanboys.

 

[Guest]

hang on. if production has ceased and alfa say there is enough stock to satisfy demand till 2013, does that mean if you got one in 2013, the car is already 2 years old when you buy new?

Sounds like it. Hope they don't store them out in the rain...

 

[giordano92]

Global Financial Crisis

God you're so out of date Nev

:lol:

Salute, Giordano.

 

[Guest]

I frikkin' hate TLAs! :rant:

No the 159 was touted as an alternative to the Mercs/BMWs/Audis.

It just never had the service to back that up in the fleet market.

And as the model was oriented towards a market that was just
not going to put up with any guff within 3 years of "ownership"
then it was just set up to fail.


Like the Brera. which IMHO failed due to poor marketing and the mixed
message of running two GTs in the price list at the same time.

 

[giordano92]

Like the Brera. which IMHO failed due to poor marketing and the mixed
message of running two GTs in the price list at the same time.

Alfa have always had poor marketing. Well to the likes of Merc/Audi/BM

To me, they advertise Alfa as a niche, while they aim to make mass sales

Salute, Giordano.

 

[cloverleaf159]

thats mad then to think your new car could already be two years old