New Alfa Romeo Models Delayed, Fiat Boss Blames Euro Economy

The brand is not setting the world on fire here - none in the range is selling well - but Alfa Romeo dealers could soon be at their wits' end.

News from Frankfurt is that Fiat Group boss Sergio Marchionne has scrapped plans for one new model, and delayed production of five others.

Citing a poor economic outlook for the European Union, the outspoken Italian delivered the news to financial analysts in Frankfurt this week.

Marchionne said that plans for a new midsized SUV due in 2014 have been put on the backburner, while a smaller SUV that was due next year will now debut in 2013.

Production of the long-anticipated Giulia sedan and wagon, which will replace the ageing 159, has been pushed out from 2012 to 2014.

A replacement for the Alfa Romeo Spider has also been moved from 2013 to 2014. 

The Alfa 4C sports coupe, which made a second 'debut' at this week's Frankfurt Motor Show, has also been delayed, with production pushed out to mid-2013. It was expected to hit showrooms toward the end of 2012.

A new large sedan based on Maserati's next-generation Quattroporte is also scheduled, but is now not expected to appear until after 2014. Production timing for the Maserati version is believed to remain unchanged, however.

Among all of Alfa Romeo's upcoming models, only the five-door version of the Mito small car remains on track for its originally scheduled debut in 2013.

Marchionne said that the delays have caused the brand to adjust its sales forecast from 500,000 units per year by 2014, to 400,000.