US Fiat Stores Might Still Get Alfa Romeos

Fiat dealers were left fuming after an Alfa Romeo executive suggested the forthcoming 4c sports car would be sold through Maserati stores in the U.S., but the fight over who sells what is far from settled.

Fiat-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne now says only the best performing Fiat dealers will be given a chance to sell Alfa Romeo vehicles. Fiat’s U.S. dealer network is crying out for more products to offer, with nothing but variants on the 500 sub-compact currently on tap. Many believe a shot at selling the 4C could be just the boost those stores need.

In a revised filing to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission related to Chrysler’s initial public offering, the company stakes claim to exclusive Alfa Romeo distribution rights in the U.S. and Canada.

“In 2011, we began distributing Alfa Romeo vehicles in Mexico, and have exclusive distribution rights for Alfa Romeo in the U.S. and Canada.”

The Chrysler and Maserati U.S. dealer networks operate separately.

A pervious version of the same filing only said that Chrysler expected to sell Alfa Romeo vehicles in the U.S.

There are currently only 68 Maserati dealerships in the U.S. compared to 210 Fiat stores. Initially, Alfa is only expected to allot about 1,000 of the lightweight sports cars for American buyers. For now, Fiat dealers will be limited to the larger proportioned 500L and 500X crossover.