Alfa Romeo Nixs Plans for Giulia Wagon

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV’s Alfa Romeo unit has decided not to move forward with a wagon variant of its new Giulia sedan.

Touting the driving dynamics of the brand’s upcoming Stelvio crossover, manufacturing chief Alfredo Altavilla tells Car that a Giulia sportwagon isn’t needed. With fine tuning, he says the Stelvio can meet the needs of wagon buyers.

Alfa had been considering a Giulia sportwagon for a “very long time,” notes Fabrizio Curci, who heads the brand’s European operations. But he says the segment is changing fast, which led the company to adapt its strategy.

The Stelvio, which is due this summer, shares its rear-wheel-drive Giorgio platform with the Giulia. The architecture and Alfa’s new Cassino, Italy, plant, give the brand flexibility to meet its aggressive sales growth goals, Curci adds.