Chrysler Takes Over Alfa Romeo Imports in Russia

VIENNA – Chrysler Rus, Chrysler Group’s import subsidiary in Russia, takes over the import of Alfa Romeo cars from an independent company.

Chrysler Rus already imports Fiat, Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles into Russia.

St. Petersburg-based Alfa Cento has been the country’s Alfa Romeo importer since the end of 2010. However, no Russian sales figures for the Fiat subsidiary for 2011, 2012 and the first half of 2013 can be found.

“By the end of the year, five new Alfa Romeo dealers will join the current importer, who will continue to have an important role in the St. Petersburg area,” Chrysler Rus says in a statement.

While Alfa Romeo has almost no presence in Russia, which is expected to become Europe’s largest car market within the next few years, Fiat’s and Chrysler Group’s position there is weak as well.

Only 3,503 Fiat cars and light-commercial vehicles were sold in Russia in the year’s first half, down 13.6% from like-2012. That made Fiat 34^th in light-vehicle deliveries in the country.

Jeep sold 2,049 vehicles through June, followed by Dodge with 121 and Chrysler with 93.

Chrysler Rus’s takeover of Alfa Romeo distribution in Russia was made at the Moscow Raceway during a race in an Alfa Romeo-sponsored international motorcycle race series.