ALFA 159 SET TO ARRIVE ON 1 JUNE

ALFA 159 SET TO ARRIVE ON 1 JUNE

Alfa Romeo has announced that its all-new Alfa 159 sports sedan will be launched in New Zealand on 1 June 2006, heralding a whole new family of cars from the Italian performance car maker.

"The 159 is a vitally significant car for Alfa Romeo and it represents the beginning of a rush of new models for Alfa Romeo over the next six months," says Lawrie Malatios, General Manager for Alfa Romeo in New Zealand. "The significance of the Alfa 159 only starts with the fact that it will replace the Alfa 156, one of the most important cars in history of Alfa Romeo."

"The 156 revitalized Alfa Romeo worldwide, collected a cupboard full of awards and drove Alfa Romeo to a new market position in New Zealand. Simply replacing one of the most lauded cars ever sold is a major task in itself, but the Alfa 159 also provides the basis for another three new models arriving in New Zealand this year, the Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon, the Alfa Romeo Brera and the new Alfa Spider. The arrival of the Alfa Romeo 159 is truly the start of the next generation of Alfa Romeo cars," says Mr Malatios.

The Alfa Romeo 159 debuts a whole new 'platform', a production term that encompasses the drivetrain, chassis and body, and which means that virtually nothing is carried cover from the previous model to the new 159. This all-new platform is also the basis for the three other new Alfa Romeo models arriving in 2006. The 159 Sportwagon is, as the name suggests, a wagon that is based on the 159 sedan, but which retains the performance, style and driving ability of the sedan, while providing a new level of versatility and flexibility in its use. The Brera is Alfa Romeo's new range-topping sports car and has been acclaimed around the world for its styling and performance. This year will also see the re-birth of one of the most famous Alfa Romeo names of all time, the Alfa Romeo Spider, and the return of the classic open-top Alfa Romeo to the New Zealand car market.

Alfa Romeo has confirmed that the 159 will be initially launched in New Zealand with a choice of three engines, the 2.2 litre 136 kW four cylinder petrol engine, the 1.9 litre 110 kW JTD-m Turbo Diesel and the 2.4 litre 147 kW JTD-m Turbo Diesel engine. These will be joined soon after launch by the all-new 3.2 litre 191 kW V6 engine which will also offer the Alfa Romeo Q4 four wheel drive system.

The diesel Alfa Romeo 159 is, following the launch of the 147 JTD in last month, the second diesel Alfa Romeo to arrive in New Zealand. With diesel power units accounting for 76 per cent of Alfa Romeo sales worldwide, well ahead of the 49.8 per cent share diesel has in the European market as whole, Alfa Romeo is clear leader in this rapidly developing low emission/low fuel consumption technology.

The Alfa Romeo 159 range will, when all the versions have arrived in New Zealand, cover a significantly wider area of the local market. Along with the matching growth in market sector coverage provided the 159 Sportwagon, Brera and Spider, the 159 will provide Alfa Romeo with significant opportunities to expand sales into new market areas.

The arrival of the new Alfa Romeo models has also been heralded by a significant work load for New Zealand Alfa Romeo dealers preparing for the launch of the new cars. Every member of staff is receiving pre-launch training in preparation for the new cars. This is not just driven by the fact they are new cars, but with an all-new platform, hosting a new range of engines, the training of technicians has reached a new level for Alfa Romeo in New Zealand. This is matched in the parts and accessory departments but preparatory stocking for the new 159 family.

"This year is the year of renewal and growth for Alfa Romeo in New Zealand," says Lawrie Malatios. "These new models and our new dealers clearly and amply illustrate that Alfa Romeo is moving to the next level in the New Zealand market."

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