Latest news with #Alfa
RTÉ News
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- RTÉ News
Review: The Junior Elettrica, Alfa's very first electric SUV
As Alfa Romeo's first electric SUV, there's a lot riding on the success of the Junior Elettrica. The design is immediately recognisable as an Alfa, inside and out. To bring costs down, there are obvious pieces of trim taken from the wide range of Stellantis' stable. As an electric SUV, the slow charging rate is good and the range is approximately 400kms in Speciale trim. Boot space is decent for the class, and passengers in the rear will feel the pinch on long journeys, even if the driver isn't that tall. The infotainment syncs quickly, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto makes it easy to live with.
NZ Autocar
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
2025 Alfa Romeo Junior Ibrida First Drive
Let's be clear: the Alfa Junior Ibrida is still under consideration for New Zealand and far from confirmed. So why did we drive it? Well, we were in Spain for the launch of the Leapmotor C10 and needed a way back from Valencia to Barcelona. The offer of using a new Alfa for the three-hour drive came up and so we took it. Though not overtly sporty, it's an Italian-ised version of Stellantis' small SUV platform (think Peugeot 2008). However, it is more closely related to the Jeep Avenger and Fiat 600. Stellantis is getting rather good at providing a base vehicle and tailoring it to each brand's character. The Avenger looks and feels like a Jeep. And they've done a solid job here as well. There's only so much you can do with a small two-box SUV, but oh, madre mia, Alfa's stylists have nailed this. That classic scudetto grille, the laser-etched serpent on the C-pillar, the retro-flavoured Kammback end; there are plenty of brand cues here. It reminds me of the '90s 146 hatchback, to which this could arguably be a spiritual successor. And yes, there's a take on the clover-leaf wheels. Inside, the vibe's equally playful: quilted 'Spiga' seats (with massage function, no less!) and quadrifoglio-shaped air vents. The only downside is the Stellantis-shared switchgear and infotainment system (which is mounted in a way that requires you to look down to see it) somewhat detracting from the fully Italian feel. Space is fine in the front, with a nice wrapped-in feel, while the back seat is modest and loses a little in headroom. At 415 litres, the boot is one of the best in class, however. You do get Level 2 driver assistance features, with the lane keeping system and adaptive cruise performing well during our limited test. Under the bonnet is a 1.2-litre turbo triple humming alongside a 21kW 48V hybrid motor/generator. It's not a rocket (0–100km/h in 8.9 seconds), but there's enough pep for confident motorway cruising. Floor the throttle and the engine gets shouty but I've always said that there's little better than a three-cylinder on song. Stick to Eco mode and it'll sip fuel at a claimed 4.1L/100km. The six-speed dual-clutch is smooth and largely faultless. So how does it drive? Vehicles on this platform usually feel pretty good and this is no exception. Alfa's engineers have firmed things up, particularly the steering which, while still light and ease-focused, feels nicely responsive. Now, what about the electric version? While we didn't drive the Junior Elettrica, its drivetrain is familiar. A 54kWh battery feeds a 115kW motor, good for 407km (WLTP) and a nine-second 0–100km/h time. A Veloce model outputting 207kW to the front wheels is also on the way. However, that seems like a lot of mumbo to be pushing through just the fronts! So, should it come here? That'll come down to price. The Peugeot 2008 Hybrid retails here from $44,990, while Alfa's larger Tonale starts just shy of $60,000. With its slightly more exotic badge, could the Junior Hybrid tolerate a price around $50k? I suspect and hope so.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Alfa unveils preconfigured SaaS solution for European asset finance sector
Alfa has introduced a new preconfigured software-as-a-service (SaaS) solution, Alfa Start for European Asset Finance, designed specifically for European asset finance companies. According to the company, the system enables auto and equipment finance operators to implement Alfa Systems, a core platform for services such as originations, contract servicing, and collections management, in a 'quick and cost-effective' way. Built on predefined best-practice configurations and processes, refined through Alfa's extensive support for major European brands, the offering streamlines implementation. Alfa director of product Emily Hammond said: 'Alfa Start is for banks, captives and independents who want to be lean and invest pragmatically in a system that comes preloaded with a distilled best-practice setup, rather than recreating their existing processes and configuration from scratch. 'As we've done successfully in the UK and US, this new flavour of Alfa Start brings the power of Alfa Systems to a wider range of providers, offering an essential project accelerator that reduces cost and helps you gain a competitive edge.' Since its launch in 2020, Alfa Start's 'rapid' methodology has been adopted in the UK by finance providers and challenger banks such as United Trust Bank, Arkle Finance, Bibby Financial Services, and recently Paragon Bank. It has also accelerated projects for notable auto and equipment lenders in the US. The new offering includes support for local languages, currencies, accounting standards, and bank reports, alongside integrations for e-signature, single sign-on, SEPA payments, and other features. Delivered via proactively managed, single-tenant SaaS, it eliminates infrastructure overheads for users. Bibby Financial Services COO Richard Olver said: 'A lot of providers have a need to modernise their tech stack, and look at improving their businesses, and Alfa Systems is the industry gold standard. 'With Alfa Start, we've been able to implement Alfa Systems rapidly and cost-effectively. Thanks to the automation now available, our teams spend more time delivering value for our clients and business partners.' "Alfa unveils preconfigured SaaS solution for European asset finance sector" was originally created and published by Leasing Life, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Finextra
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- Finextra
Alfa launches project accelerator for European asset finance
Alfa, provider of the Alfa Systems software platform, has announced a new preconfigured SaaS offering for European asset finance companies. 0 This content is provided by an external author without editing by Finextra. It expresses the views and opinions of the author. Alfa Start for European Asset Finance allows auto and equipment finance operators to conduct a quick and cost-effective implementation of Alfa Systems, Alfa's flagship platform for originations, contract servicing, collections management and more. It draws on predefined best-practice configuration and processes, perfected over Alfa's considerable experience supporting top brands around the continent. Since launching in 2020, Alfa Start's rapid implementation methodology has found success in the UK with progressive finance providers and challenger banks such as HTB, United Trust Bank, Arkle Finance, Bibby Financial Services and most recently Paragon Bank. Alfa Start has also provided critical value as a project accelerator to a string of notable auto and equipment lenders in the US. With the new solution, Alfa brings its industry expertise and experience in fast implementations to operations throughout Europe. Emily Hammond, Alfa's Director of Product, said: 'Alfa Start is for banks, captives and independents who want to be lean and invest pragmatically in a system that comes preloaded with a distilled best-practice setup, rather than recreating their existing processes and configuration from scratch. But there's still plenty of room to weave in your own DNA, and hold on to that differentiating factor. 'As we've done successfully in the UK and US, this new flavour of Alfa Start brings the power of Alfa Systems to a wider range of providers, offering an essential project accelerator that reduces cost and helps you gain a competitive edge.' Richard Olver, COO of Bibby Financial Services said: 'A lot of providers have a need to modernise their tech stack, and look at improving their businesses, and Alfa Systems is the industry gold standard. With Alfa Start we've been able to implement Alfa Systems rapidly and cost-effectively. Thanks to the automation now available, our teams spend more time delivering value for our clients and business partners.' Alfa Start for European Asset Finance provides local languages and currencies, accounting standards and built-in bank reports; as well as integrations for e-signature, single sign-on, SEPA payments and more; and eliminates infrastructure overheads through proactively managed, single-tenant SaaS
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Bill allowing Alfa health benefit plans passes Alabama Senate
Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, speaks to a colleague on the floor of the Alabama Senate on April 3, 2025 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. The Alabama Senate Thursday approved a bill handled by Orr in the Senate that would allow the Alabama Farmers Federation to sell health care plans to members. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector) The Alabama Senate passed a bill Thursday to allow the state's dominant agricultural organization to offer its members health benefit plans. HB 477, sponsored by Rep. David Faulkner, R-Mountain Brook, would allow the Alabama Farmers Federation (Alfa), the state's dominant agricultural organization, to offer a health plan that is outside of state insurance regulations and only available to its members. The bill passed 30-2 and heads to the governor. Supporters said the legislation would help farmers and other self-employed agricultural workers who do not have access to employer-sponsored plans to get more affordable coverage. 'If we don't do something to help our young farmers out, we're not going to have any because they've got to go to work somewhere else just to get insurance,' said Sen. Jack Williams, R-Wilmer. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The bill specifies that Alfa would not be engaged in the business of health insurance and imposes a 1.3% tax on premiums. Alfa's health benefits must include coverage for ambulatory patient services; hospitalization; emergency services; laboratory services; mental health and substance abuse disorder services and prescription drugs. Benefits or services covered under a health benefit would not be subject to an annual limit of less than $2 million per year per enrollee. 'This is a freedom-of-contract issue … it's a simple issue in my in my head, as far as the freedom to contract, freedom to do what you want, and have a an organization enter into this type of arrangement with its members for some form of health coverage,' said Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, who is handling the bill in the Senate. Democrats tried to amend the bill on the floor to align the proposed health benefit plan more with health insurance, but each amendment was voted down due to concerns about keeping the price of the health plans low. Sen. Linda Coleman-Madison, D-Birmingham, who said she was concerned about denied claims and how consumers could appeal such denials, offered an amendment that would have authorized the Alabama Department of Insurance to 'enforce' the bill in order to offer consumer protection. Similar language was added in an amendment to the original House bill but later removed from it. 'What happens to the health services when an emergency claim is denied? Who do the farmers go to get some kind of mediation?' asked Coleman-Madison. The amendment failed on a 9-24 vote. Sen. Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro, raised concerns about pre-existing conditions and the potential impact on farmers. He said that farmers may work around substances like ammonia, which may negatively impact their health. '[Farmers] want to get insured, because they all are supporting this plan, but they going to be in for some rude awakening when they go there and get their record check, and now they have some kind of lung disease or cancer or something, and then they're going to be told that they can't get insurance,' Singleton said. His amendment failed on a 9-23 vote. Singleton offered another amendment to raise the premium tax from 1.3% to 1.6% for each year based on the premiums collected. 'I don't think it will kill them, that they could pay that back to the people of the state of Alabama,' Singleton said. Orr opposed the amendment, saying that he thinks 'it's important to keep tax rate low and make this an affordable policy for people that want to participate.' The amendment failed on a 8-25 vote. When asked after the bill passed if he was concerned the plan would not be regulated like health insurance or that it could negatively impact a policyholder, Williams said that 'some coverage is better than none.' 'If you don't get the whole foot in, you get eight inches in, and it's working, it's better than what you got,' Williams said. The bill now heads to Gov. Kay Ivey for her signature. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
