http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/AllCars/255918/ "Originally Posted by Autocar Volkswagen already has a plan in place for Alfa Romeos development should it acquire the marque from Fiat. Rumours from Germany claim Alfa is likely to receive direct assistance from Porsche, which is developing a new flat-four engine for a new entry-level roadster that will sit below the Boxster. That engine could be installed in mainstream Alfas, bringing a useful historical link to models such as the Alfasud and 33 and setting the brands cars apart from VWs, Seats, Skodas and Audis. Such a deal would benefit Porsche too, since it would increase the economies of scale on the motors production. VW would 'quadruple Alfa sales' VW is said to view Alfa as a key potential asset in its bid to become the worlds largest car manufacturing group by 2018. It also has spare production capacity, notably at Seats Martorell facility. A Fiat Group spokesman told Autocar that the firm has drawn a line under any sell-off. We shut the door in their [VWs] faces and now theyre trying to get in the window, he said. The spokesman also dismissed rumours that representatives, including VW chairman Ferdinand Piech and CEO Martin Winterkorn, met with local government representatives in the Lombardi region of Italy, where Alfas mothballed Arese plant is situated. That is complete and utter fantasy, he said. Fiat boss: 'Hands-off Alfa' Autocar understands that among the sticking points in any discussions would be the future of the Pomigliano plant in Naples (earmarked for the delayed next-gen Panda, but plagued by industrial relations issues), Alfas extensive and expensive classic car collection, and the Balocco test track. At the recent Geneva motor show, Piech used VWs press evening to predict that it could increase Alfas sales fourfold within five years. He also dismissed Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionnes insistence that the brand was not for sale, saying, Volkswagen has time."
Fiat-Please sell Alfa and Lancia to VW if you are going to rebadge Chryslers' as Alfa and Lancia automobiles....I'm pulling for Chrysler but really now.....
If you want a German Alfa buy an Audi. I hope they do not sell them to VW. Tom Tanner/Ferrari Expo 2011-Chicago March 19th 2011
Already had one and it was average. No passion but as I said if alfa is going to rebadge chryslers they r doomed
If Volkswagen buys them it means GAME OVER. The Italians will have lost control of the company that at times they did not manage well. With Italian control it had its good and bad times but always had a chance of making a few good Italian style cars. With German control you will start getting rebadged Audi's wich to me are sterile and cold compared to even the newer Alfa's. Be careful what you wish for. This would be the biggest mistake they ever made. Hell, why don't they just merge the German and Italian soccer teams together while they are at it since they are all part of the European Union. If you want a German Alfa go buy an Audi(or Volkswagen) as thats what you will get with a merger.
I'm by no means a fan of the idea but I don't think lamborghini has lost much in translation. That said I'm not sure how it would play out with an Alfa owned by VW, if it goes how Lamborghini has it might not be the worst move in the world provided they not wind up with VW motors in Alfa wrapper's. A perfect world though keep Alfa Italian through/through...
