Alfa Romeo Manager Gregory Fiorio gave important messages that we came together in Istanbul as part of a special event.
After the successful process at Peugeot, Jean-Philippe Imparato, who is responsible for carrying Alfa Romeo to a completely different point in the new period, now looks to the future with more hope with the models revealed in the last few years. Being a first for Alfa in particular, Tonale’s share in the compact premium SUV segment shattered expectations both globally and in Turkey. Reporting a 22 percent increase in the European market in 2022, which we left behind, Alfa broke a record in Turkey. The Italian manufacturer, which gives the message that it will double this success in 2023 figures, has already left the whole of 2022 behind in the first five months of this year. Year-end expectations for Alfa reveal a 4-fold growth expectation compared to 2022.
With this success in the Turkish market, we are starting to see Alfa’s senior executives more and more in Turkey. The brand, which is very pleased with the interest of Turkish users, gives messages to gradually increase its market quota in parallel with this interest. Alfa Brand Manager Gregory Fiorio, whom we met in Istanbul Park as part of a special event the day we left behind, sincerely answered our questions. Talking about the product preparations in the near future, we did not neglect to ask Fiorio’s criticisms about the Stelvio and Giula versions developed specifically for the 100th anniversary of the “Quadrifoglio Verde”.
YOU MAY BE INTERESTED
Gregory Fiorio; “Alfa Romeo will continue to not compromise its roots in the future!”
Dear Gregory, thank you for meeting us in Turkey in such a special occasion. First of all, I would like to start our conversation on a few topics about the present rather than the future. 2023 marks the 100th anniversary of Quadrifoglio Verde (Four Leaf Clover), one of the most important pieces in Alfa Romeo history. As a matter of fact, you also introduced limited production versions based on Giulia and Stelvio last April, especially for this badge. While this pleased some, it did not please a much more passionate group, as it was the Alpha. We can say that the expectation for a special model for the 100th anniversary of such an important badge is very high. To be honest, I was one of them. May I know your point of view on these criticisms? Why didn’t Alfa Romeo opt for a more specific project for such an iconic badge?
First of all, I am very happy to be with you in Turkey and especially in a place like Istanbul Park that fits our brand. The interest of Turkish users in Alfa Romeo makes us all feel happy and proud. I understand very well your question, criticisms and expectations at this point. The importance of the QV badge to us is indisputable. For the 100th anniversary of this badge, we prefer limited production cars based on Giulia and Stelvio, in fact, contrary to what is said, to bring the badge to the fore. If we had worked on a stand-alone custom car for the QV badge, it would have left the badge behind and users could focus directly on the model itself. In order to crown the QV in these cars, we wanted to talk about the special touches to the QV. In fact, the basic philosophy is in this direction. As we know, these vehicles differ a little more in their performance and body qualities. Since 100 of each model will be produced, they are directly collectible. One of each of the limited vehicles worldwide will be in Turkey.
Yes, thank you for answering such an important question on the subject. In this way, we have reached a clear answer about the brand’s approach, but it is clear that there is a different expectation. This is definitely an expectation in the focus of high-end performance.
Of course I understand your insistence. I would like to give an important message to those who expect a new performance-oriented model from here. Expectations will not turn into disappointment. For now, I can’t share too many details with you, but in the near future, we will be introducing a very important sports car that will befit Alfa Romeo to users. These expectations you mentioned will be met with this car.
As you mentioned, we inevitably include our emotions, as we speak at Alfa Romeo. In the new era, and especially with electric cars, we come across brands saying goodbye to very rooted models. These period badges are replaced by name preferences or product groups containing numbers and code letters. Will there be such an orientation in the name preferences of the models that will be introduced in the future of Alfa Romeo?
Yes, we follow the trends in the new period you mentioned. I can guarantee you that here. Alfa Romeo means to represent the reflections of the Italian spirit and culture. We will continue to be inspired by our roots and geography in the models we will launch both in the short and long term. This will also apply to our new B SUV model, which we will introduce to users in the next few years. In this model, which can be preferred with the option of an internal combustion engine in addition to the fully electric version, our choice of name will take its inspiration from Italy.
YOU MAY BE INTERESTED
Turkey is among the largest destinations outside Europe
Among the names we came together at the organized organization was Eligio Catarinella, Head of Global Marketing and Communications at Alfa Romeo. Underlining that Turkey is the second largest market for Alfa Romeo outside the European Region, Catarinella said; “Turkey became Alfa Romeo’s fastest growing market in the world with 300 percent in 2022. In addition, Türkiye achieved the highest customer satisfaction in Sales Satisfaction in the Alfa Romeo world. Our brand aims to be the fastest brand in the automobile industry on its way to becoming carbon neutral. In 2025, Alfa Romeo’s first all-electric model will be introduced and will also be available in the Turkish market. Starting from 2027, the entire Alfa Romeo product range will be electric and we will reach our target of zero emissions.” made statements.
YOU MAY BE INTERESTED
Alfa Romeo Turkey Brand Director Özgür Süslü did not neglect to emphasize the speed and diversity of the transformation the brand is in. Reminding that they act on a plan based on the launch of a new model every year, Süslü said; “From 2022 to 2027 we will have a launch every year. We introduced Tonale in 2022. This year we are introducing the renewed Giulia and Stelvio. We will introduce our new B-suv model next year and our new D-suv model in 2025. In 2026 and 2027, we will introduce a new all-electric model every year. We are already seeing the results of this strategy. In 2022, Turkey grew 4 times compared to the previous year and became the fastest growing market in the Alfa Romeo world. Although our main focus as Alfa Romeo is not on sales, we are excited to see that the market recognizes this breakthrough in the brand.” he said.