News May 24 2006

159 gets another award

The new Alfa 159, which goes on sale in Australia on 1 June 2006, has won the Design Award in the UK's 2006 Fleet World Honours. The UK car market is dominated by fleet and business sales, which take nearly 50 per cent of the total market.

Tax changes have encouraged the growth of the 'user-chooser' market, in which employees are given a choice of company car, and this has driven sales of car companies such as Alfa Romeo into the fleet sector.

However, despite the appeal to employees of more individualistic cars, their car choices must still meet the running costs and residual requirements of the fleet managers, so winning this award is a double recognition of Alfa Romeo's achievements in both style and running costs.

(EDITOR'S NOTE: at ItalianCar we've had first hand experience of driving Italian cars as company cars in the UK - and can echo these comments - having had an Alfa 33 16v and being told - at changeover time - that Alfa was 'no longer an option'! Running costs and breakdowns had ruled Alfa out for this employer)

"Rarely has there been an Alfa Romeo that didn't look exciting, stylish and - yes, quite simply - Italian," said Ken Rogers, editor of Fleet World.

"The marque just has a charisma. Alfa Romeo is one of the very few manufacturers that can retain styling-cues from its classic designs of the nineteen-thirties and earlier, and yet still offer cars that look truly contemporary, fresh and desirable - without at the same time being self-consciously 'retro'."

Fleet World Honours are presented annually to those motor manufacturers and service companies which have, in the opinion of the judges, achieved the highest possible level of excellence in their sector.

The judging panel is chaired by industry professional, George Emmerson, who has managed fleets at IBM, NHBC and Black Horse Agencies. Members of the judging panel include Ken Rogers, John Kendall and Ross Durkin from Fleet World's editorial team, Alan Cole of Glass's Guide and fleet manager Jackie Pomfrett.

Residual value, maintenance cost and reliability data is also provided by ALD Automotive, Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions and ING Car Lease.

"With the 159 Alfa Romeo aims to take a slice of the executive market segment that is dominated by highly competent, very efficient - and mainly German - products," said George Emmerson, Chairman of Judges.

"It's a tough marketplace and Alfa is pitching for very high stakes with the 159. But, the 159 just looks wonderful and it's a great car to drive as well."

© italiancar.com.au 24/05/06