Alfa Romeo won’t follow rival luxury marques in offering a longer warranty in Australia, despite the brand wanting to attract new customers.
Speaking with media during a briefing for the updated Giulia sedan, managing director and CEO for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Australia, Kevin Flynn, said the Italian brand’s current three-year/150,000 kilometre coverage is “more than adequate”.
“The amount of obligation we have to the vehicle and the owner in Australia is intensive,” Mr Flynn said, referring to Australia’s strict consumer law requirements for goods sold in the country.
“We’ve got more than adequate cover.”
Mr Flynn’s comments come after rival brands Mercedes-Benz and Volvo recently moved to longer five-year warranties, more in line with mainstream brands and matching the five-year cover offered by Korean luxury upstart Genesis.
Lexus Australia currently offers a four-year warranty across its range, while Germany’s Audi and BMW have both gone on record saying they don’t plan to extend their coverage – much like Alfa Romeo.
FCA Australia has a couple of different warranty programs depending on brand – Alfa Romeo and Fiat/Abarth vehicles are covered for three years or 150,000km, while Jeep products offer five years/100,000km.
Ram Trucks, meanwhile, covers its products for three years or 100,000km.
Mr Flynn said the brand hopes to attract new buyers with its refreshed Giulia sedan and upcoming Stelvio SUV update by offering enhanced equipment levels and sharper pricing in addition to the brand’s Italian design and heritage – rather than a longer warranty.
“We’ve got to be more than the ‘Alfisti’,” Flynn said.
Stay tuned for CarExpert’s Australian launch drive of the updated Alfa Romeo Giulia Sport on December 4.
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