Last week, Automotive News came out with a report claiming the reason for the delay in bringing the new Giulia to the market was because the car had failed multiple internal crash tests. The report was based on information from “supplier sources” and provided an explanation for why Alfa Romeo missed its targeted European launch date of late 2015.
The Giulia is currently thought to be going on sale in Europe in the spring, roughly six months later than originally promised. A launch in the United States will take place late in the summer, confirmation of which was made during the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show.
MUST SEE: Volvo Amazon Packs A Two-Stroke Marine V-8 Surprise: Video
We reached out to Alfa Romeo regarding its delayed arrival and rumors regarding the failed crash tests. Jiyan Cadiz at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles [NYSE:FCAU] communications told us, "The safety concerns expressed in the story are false. The all-new 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia is designed and engineered to meet or exceed all federal safety regulations. The Alfa Romeo Giulia will begin production for the North American market in the late second quarter of this year."
The Giulia was originally meant to be a front-wheel-drive sedan like its 159 predecessor. With Alfa Romeo’s late decision to switch to a rear-wheel-drive platform, one developed from scratch we might add, it’s understandable that there might be some delays and six months isn’t much in the scheme of things. What’s more worrying are the delays in additional products for Alfa Romeo, as confirmed by parent company FCA during a recent presentation made to analysts.
_______________________________________
