Interesting article in the business section of today's Sunday Times.

Apparently, Alfa workers are urging Ferdinand Piech (VW head honcho) to buy Alfa from Fiat. It goes on to say they've been standing outside the German consulate in Milan chanting: "We want Volkswagen."

Piech responded to queries about whether he wanted to buy Alfa by saying: "Thirteen was always my lucky number." Alfa would be VW's thirteenth brand if acquired by Wolfsburg.

Stefan Bratzel of the centre for automotive management in Germany is quoted as saying: "Under Fiat, Alfas' reputation as sports cars has been eroded through shared parts, uniform platforms and terrible engines. Alfas today have little in common with the old marque."

I don't think shared parts or uniform platforms would change under VW, but terrible engines would go. However, would Alfas lose what remaining 'soul' they have in returned for improved build quality and reliability?

I must admit, I quite fancy a Mito but the reliability issue (if there is one - although I did see two people poking about under the bonnet of a 59 plate Mito the other evening and they didn't seem too happy) would probably deter me.

Edited 26 December, 201015 yr by Wee Bri

Interesting article in the business section of today's Sunday Times.

Apparently, Alfa workers are urging Ferdinand Piech (VW head honcho) to buy Alfa from Fiat. It goes on to say they've been standing outside the German consulate in Milan chanting: "We want Volkswagen."

ROFIC (Roll on the floor incapable . . with laughter) An absolute advertisers dream come true.

Good spot.

When I was an Alfa owner (In the late '70s), that was the dream - Alfa styling and driveability + VW build quality + Japanese reliability

Nick

ROFIC (Roll on the floor incapable . . with laughter) An absolute advertisers dream come true.

Good spot.

When I was an Alfa owner (In the late '70s), that was the dream - Alfa styling and driveability + VW build quality + Japanese reliability

Nick

The Alfa V6 engines sound yummy though, don't you think? Veedub quality in an Italian car?

I like Alfas a lot, but ergonomics in em always seem a bit cack. Used to tonk around occasionally in my old bosses Alfa 156 with a semi auto box. Nice car, just made badly..

These clips say it all about the current setup

Aren't Maserati under joint management with Alfa as part of Fiat at the moment ? And VW previously declined a share in Maserati, having already bought Lambo and Bugatti.

According to reports Maserati were selling well stateside, so even if VW fancied Alfa, Fiat would probably make them pay a hefty.

premium.

Nick

Edited 28 December, 201015 yr by Clunkclick

I did hear that VAG aren't very happy with SEAT so either SEAT will pull out of VAG or VAG will kick them out.

Owning Alfa would surely tread on Audi's toes? I don't see where VW could squeeze the Alfa brand in between the four rings and upwardly mobile VW.

Build quality and reliability would undoubtedly improve, but Alfa-ness is a unique quality and it would be lost under VW's sterile business plan.

Doesnt anyone remember back to when VW bought lamborghini, and that was the same. All they had was speed and flare!

Look at the company now, they are at there peak, and I think it would be the same with Alfa's!

Doesnt anyone remember back to when VW bought lamborghini, and that was the same. All they had was speed and flare!

Look at the company now, they are at there peak, and I think it would be the same with Alfa's!

Yes, they're now a financially stronger company who are producing technically competent cars which people aren't willing to live with the "quirks" are happy to buy. However, I bet you don't see as many Lambo posters on kids' bedroom walls these days...

Thought provoking - I always liked Alfas even if they used to fall to pieces, but how about a Skoda Coupe based on the Alfa Brera, I would buy one