Aging Lineup Hurting Italian Marque
Alfa Romeo didn’t have much luck in 2024. The historic Italian marque only sold 8,865 vehicles in the U.S. for the entire year. That lackluster sales figure isn’t limited to America alone. Globally, Alfa Romeo sold only 62,000 units – significantly short of the company’s target of 80,000 to 90,000 vehicles.
Needless to say, the Turin-based automaker needs a newer lineup to sell more automobiles. Yes, it introduced some special edition models earlier this year to entice buyers, but there’s no escaping from the fact that its lineup is aging, particularly its most important model, the Stelvio SUV.
Alfa Romeo
Stelvio Delay Highlights Alfa Romeo’s Struggling Sales
We say most important because the truth is, the Stelvio was introduced to the lineup in hopes of jacking up Alfa Romeo’s sales, just like how the Cayenne saved Porsche before.
And it did – the Stelvio was a runaway success when it was introduced, but the reality is this has become an aging nameplate. The Stelvio was shown in 2016, so at this point, the SUV is nearing its tenth year.
There were plans for a next-generation model, which was scheduled to be revealed by the end of 2025 for the 2026 model year. However, recent reports reveal that Alfa Romeo has had to delay its launch, not by months but by an entire year. According to Reuters, the delay is due to fluctuating trends in the industry, particularly the dwindling demand for EVs.
Alfa Romeo
Originally an EV, the Next Stelvio Will Now Be a Hybrid
Alfa Romeo initially planned to produce an all-electric Stelvio atop Stellantis’ STLA Large platform, which underpins several models, including the Dodge Charger Daytona EV. However, the automaker’s plans have changed, opting to go the hybrid route instead of just full-electric models.
The problem is, the development of a hybrid system for the Stelvio isn’t as easy as adding an engine like a Lego block. Despite the STLA Large platform having the capacity for a hybrid setup, the integration needs further development, prompting the recent delay. Of note, the target launch for the next Stelvio is now September or October 2026.
Giulia Redesign Still on Track Despite SUV Setback
Thankfully, the delay in the Stelvio’s development isn’t affecting the next-generation Giulia, which is set for launch also in 2026. However, Alfa’s issues with the SUV hinder Stellantis’ broader effort to revive Italian automotive production and preserve jobs, a strategy presented to the Italian government in late 2024.
