Alfa Romeo SUV on Schedule for 2016 Debut

The Alfa Romeo unit of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV is on track to introduce the brand's first SUV/crossover in mid-2016.

CEO Sergio Marchionne tells analysts all the preparatory work has been completed for the vehicle, which will become the second all-new Alfa in a €5 billion effort scheme to revive the brand. Marchionne didn't reveal the type of car. But supplier sources tell Automotive News Europe it will be a midsize crossover that shares its platform with the first of the new Alfas: the rear-drive Giulia midsize sedan introduced earlier this year.

The unnamed new crossover will compete with such models as the Audi Q5 and BMW X3 crossovers. ANE says the car is likely to launch in Europe in about September 2016, followed by a U.S. debut at the end of the year.

Marchionne says Alfa already has spent nearly €2 billion on new product development. He said in June the revival plan aims to add at least three new models and hike Alfa sales from about 70,000 cars last year to 400,000 units by 2018.