Currently reading: Paris motor show 2010: VW boss 'interested in Alfa'

VW Group CEO tells Autocar he is a fan of Alfa, but would only make a move if Fiat wished to sell

Volkswagen Group CEO Martin Winterkorn has told Autocar at the Paris motor show that his company would be interested in buying Alfa Romeo should Fiat wish to sell.

“Alfa is a very emotional brand,” he said. “If Fiat considers selling, we’d be interested.”

Winterkorn pointed out that Alfa once sold 300,000 units per year; now, it is around 110,000. With VW’s expertise, Winterkorn said, Alfa could return to its former glories.

See pics of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta from the Paris show and more on the twin-clutch model

“It’s a beautiful brand but there are quality issues with the engines and suspension systems for example,” he said.

“I’m quite sure we could make a beautiful brand out of Alfa again.”

However, Winterkorn made a point of stating there was no plan of an approach to Fiat for Alfa and the firm would only consider making an offer should Fiat wish to sell.

Steve Cropley

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