Alfa Romeo Giulia Delay Reportedly Due to Failing Crash Tests
The Alfa Romeo Giulia is reportedly failing to pass crash tests.
The launch of the Alfa Romeo Giulia is months behind schedule with suppliers saying that the sedan is failing to pass internal front, side and rear crash tests, according to a recent report. As a result, the Italian automaker is having to do extensive re-engineering, resulting in about six months added to the Giulia’s development time.
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has hired former Ferrari chief engineer Roberto Fedeli back from BMW Group and it is the automaker’s hope that he will help fix technical issues like the Giulia’s failure to pass crash tests. Fedeli’s official role will be chief technical officer at Alfa Romeo and Maserati.
SEE ALSO: Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio Arrives in US Bearing 505 HP
On the Maserati side, it is believed that Fedeli will focus on getting the Levante SUV back on schedule. The Levante was expected to debut in mid-2015, but will now make its first appearance at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show in March.
Fedeli spent the past six months at BMW, and the previous 26 years at Ferrari.
Update February 9, 2016: An Alfa Romeo spokesperson told Road & Track that the Automotive News report is “not accurate or representative at all.” The Italian automaker confirmed that the Giulia is still on-track for production for the U.S. market in “late 2nd quarter 2016,” starting with the Quadrifoglio variant.
[Source: Automotive News, Road & Track]
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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