And it looks like Maserati is too. What started out really great for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and its Alfa Romeo brand, with guns blazing in 2017 for the new Stelvio SUV (above), might have just hit a major snag in one of its biggest markets… China.
According to ANE, Alfa Romeo will be cutting production of the Stelvio and Giulia (above) at its Cassino plant in central Italy, from 300 units per shift to 265. This follows production stops on four Fridays since mid-September with a loss of more than 2,000 units. Production of the new Maserati Levante SUV (below) will also be shut down for 2 weeks between October and November.
“Chinese import regulations have seen sales of Alfa Romeo and Maserati vehicles fall significantly in China, since authorities introduced new rules on relationships between dealers and carmakers, among other changes, the new regulations ban automakers from imposing stock on dealerships” – FCA.
Chinese shipments of the Giulia and the Stelvio (above), which started earlier this year, have fallen significantly after a brisk start. Data from market researchers JATO Dynamics, show FCA delivered 1,006 Alfa Stelvios to Chinese dealers in June, 2,666 in July and only 227 in August. A major drop indeed.
Maserati followed the same pattern, shipping an average 350 Levantes in July and August, down from a monthly average of more than 800 in the first half. (Source: Automotive News Europe)
In spite of this setback, FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne (above) is still confident that Alfa Romeo will sell 170,000 vehicles globally this year including the Giulietta sedan, Mito small hatchback and 4C Coupe and Roadster.
Source: Automotive News Europe
