Are Alfa Romeo Cars Becoming Less Desirable?

Outside of modern fashion, tasty recipes, and fancy olive oil, Alfa Romeo is one of the most well-known things to come out of Italy in the contemporary world. Even if you’ve never driven one, you’ve certainly heard of the infamous Alfa Romeo brand. These sports cars are known throughout the world for their performance, style, and name recognition.

The last few years have seen a drop in sales across North America. The good news is that this Italian automaker will always have a fanbase, but the question still stands: are Alfa Romeo cars becoming less desirable? Are Americans just unaware of this brand’s ability, or is Alfa Romeo simply less desirable than it used to be?

A Poor Reputation For Reliability

While Alfa Romeo vehicles are known for many things, reliability isn’t at the top of the list. This reputation isn’t a deal-breaker for Europeans. There are plenty of jokes about these cars breaking down after only a couple of months, but drivers on that side of the world are a little more tolerant of these issues.

Most American drivers check reliability scores before buying a car. The thought of pouring additional funds into repairs or being stuck on the side of the road is enough to make this brand less desirable.

Less Powerful Brand Recognition

In the world of cars, reputation means everything. Consumers across Europe are aware of the Alfa Romeo name and appreciate its contribution to the auto world. Its name recognition alone will ensure that these cars will never disappear.

On this side of the planet, it’s hard to break into an already competitive mid-size sports car market. The company put a lot of work into the Stelvio in hopes of really breaking into the American market. With fewer than 3,000 models sold in the U.S., it looks like this car isn’t the savior it was meant to be. Some blame economic factors as it’s difficult to purchase a $42,000 luxury car when money is tight.

The SUV Didn’t TakeOff

Across the U.S., SUVs are taking over the market. Alfa Romeo attempted to compete in this class with some new SUV options. The initial response was positive, but it didn’t last. The saddest part is this company sacrificed the stylish good looks they are known for to get their SUV line on the road. The Alfa Romeo SUV was a fine machine, but it simply couldn’t stand out in a flooded market segment.

Alfa Will Always Have a Place

While sales may not be what Alfa Romeo is hoping for, there will always be a place for this luxury brand. There’s debate on whether it should focus on building its European sales, where consumers are loyal, or keep trying to crack the code of the American driver. The only sure fact is that Alfa Romeo has its work cut out if there’s any hope to get back in the spotlight.