The first official presence of Alfa Romeo in China was attended today by the public at the Guangzhou Auto Show. As the pictures show the first value judgements could be made on the MiTo, the Giulietta (the QV, Quadrifoglio Verde edition) and the new 4C Concept in Fluid Metal edition as shown at the IAA in Frankfurt last September. The Chinese press were delighted with the first impressions, especially the cars aesthetic performance compared to the ‘anonymous character’ of other European brands.

Earlier this week reports confirmed new production plans for the upcoming years by the Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC).  Although details are not quite clear, it’s expected mid 2013 will be a realistic scenario as this would be in line with the US introduction. According to GAC initial Alfa production figures will be around 140.000 a year. As for the Fiat Group-GAC JV, we could see the first results upcoming july when the first Fiat  mid-segment car will be ready, based on the highly rated Compact Wide (C-Evo) platform it shares with Dodge. According to GAC CEO Zeng Qinghong they’re still negotiating on the production schedule for Alfa, which will effectively be run by subsidiary Guanqi Fiat. The Fiat Group itself is targeting 500.000 units of only Fiat’s by 2015. By contrast: only a couple of hunderd have been sold this year (Linea, Bravo and Grande Punto). Despite the presence of some major European car companies like Mercedes and BMW, Alfa Romeo will target the premium market in China as brand worthy distinctive Italian car.