Latest news with #AlfaRomeo
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Alfa Romeo launches personal contract hire option for EV trial
Alfa Romeo has introduced a new personal contract hire scheme, named Flex & Free, allowing customers to experience an electric vehicle (EV). The scheme centres around the Alfa Romeo Junior Elettrica Speciale and is designed to offer a temporary driving arrangement with the option to extend, switch, or terminate after six months. The Flex & Free initiative is structured to support drivers considering the transition to EVs by allowing them to evaluate the suitability of an EV for their lifestyle without a long-term obligation. The contract includes additional benefits such as a complimentary wall box for home charging and an included service plan from Alfa Romeo. Managed by Stellantis Financial Services, the scheme permits customers, after at least five months, to give one month's notice to either end their personal contract hire agreement or select a different vehicle on a new finance agreement. Alfa Romeo UK managing director Jules Tilstone said: 'This offer is designed for those who want to try an EV without the fear of commitment. We are confident that when someone experiences the Junior Elettrica and feels that special Alfa Romeo DNA all our models share, they'll fall in love with it. 'They'll also benefit from the free wall box to make home charging simple and affordable.' The Junior Elettrica Speciale is available under the 'Flex & Free' personal contract hire from £499 per month, on a 48-month term with an initial rental of £1,497. Alfa Romeo is also offering an EV grant that reduces the cost of the Junior Elettrica by £1,500. The vehicle itself is equipped with a 156hp electric motor and has a range of up to 255 miles on a single charge, according to WLTP standards. It supports fast charging, allowing for a 20%-80% charge using a 100kW charger. The exterior features a sports styling kit while the interior is furnished with a range of amenities, including an electrically operated driver's seat with massage function, a leather steering wheel, and advanced driver assistance systems. Standard equipment also comprises a heat pump, a Mode 3 charging cable, and an 11kW on-board charger. "Alfa Romeo launches personal contract hire option for EV trial" was originally created and published by Motor Finance Online, 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.
Times
a day ago
- Automotive
- Times
EV makers lose patience with incentive scheme and offer own discounts
Carmakers have begun discounting electric vehicles as they seek to capitalise on increased consumer interest as well as confusion over government grants. Hyundai and Volvo are among the growing number of brands voluntarily knocking thousands of pounds off the prices of their cars because an official scheme to encourage the uptake of EVs is taking so long to launch. Ministers announced two weeks ago that motorists buying new EVs with a list price under £37,000 would be eligible for grants of up to £3,750, a move designed to reverse a collapse in demand for EVs among private buyers. However, manufacturers have complained that they face an 'extraordinary' amount of paperwork to find out whether their vehicles are eligible for grants, while buyers have been left in limbo despite being told the scheme was under way. Dealers and online marketplaces reported a huge increase in interest in EVs after the announcement but were unable to offer advice to potential buyers as they were in the dark over what vehicles would comply. Under the scheme, qualifying cars will be discounted by either £1,500 or £3,750, depending on their environmental impact. Hyundai and Volvo have opted to knock £3,750 off certain new models while they await a decision from the government on their eligibility. Hyundai has applied the full discount to its Inster hatchback, bringing the price down to £19,755. The Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6 and Kona Electric have been reduced by £1,500. Alfa Romeo has reduced the list price of the Junior Elettrica — the Italian marque's first EV — by £1,500. MG, which is Chinese-owned, is discounting its 4 EV hatchback and new S5 electric crossover by the same amount. An industry source said: 'The government scheme was announced without consultation and without any detail of how it would work in practice. Yet consumers were led to believe it was up and running from day one. 'There was a huge boost in interest for EVs because of all the publicity but the brands and dealers didn't even know if their vehicles were eligible and still don't. That's why we are seeing these discounts: because at the end of the day, a sale is a sale.' Other Chinese entrants to the UK market, including Leapmotor, Skywell and GWM, are also discounting cars. However, they are unlikely to be eligible for the government scheme because their cars will not meet the environmental requirements. Japanese and South Korean-made cars are also expected to be excluded. The scheme has rigid rules around 'science-based' targets — emissions targets brands can voluntarily sign up to — and manufacturing locations. Brands are expected to detail supply-chain emissions for some parts, components and materials used in the manufacturing process. Even ardent supporters of the grant scheme have been baffled by its rollout. They question why consumers were told it was available before manufacturers had been told to apply. Dan Caesar, chief executive of the trade group Electric Vehicles UK, said: 'The electric car grant certainly created a positive spike in consumer interest in battery EVs but reaction in the industry itself was more mixed. On one hand, it's good to see support for EVs and for charging. On the other hand, there is a feeling that a better outcome could have been reached if a wider group of stakeholders had been heard.' The Department for Transport said: 'The electric car grant will bring about a substantial boost for the industry, while saving drivers thousands of pounds and supporting jobs. We want the discounts to become available to drivers as soon as possible and we are engaging extensively with vehicle manufacturers and have published guidance to help them apply as easily as possible.'
The Advertiser
a day ago
- The Advertiser
Detectives call for footage and witnesses after fatal crash
DETECTIVES are seeking footage and witnesses as they work to piece together a fatal crash at Lake Macquarie. Emergency services were called to Main Road at Fennell Bay at about 1am on June 23 after reports of a serious two-vehicle collision. Police at the scene found a bronze Suzuki Swift hatchback and a silver Alfa Romeo had crashed before the Suzuki went through a fence and hit a tree. The 38-year-old woman who had been driving the Suzuki died at the scene. The driver of the Alfa Romeo, a 37-year-old man, was taken to John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle but has since been released. Police established a crime scene and began investigations into how the crash unfolded. Detectives made a fresh appeal for information on Wednesday, July 30, as their investigation continues. Anyone who witnessed the crash, or who has footage in the vicinity of Main Road at Fennell Bay between 12.45am and 1.15am on June 23, has been urged to come forward to police. People with information can call Belmont police or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000, or via the online portal, and reference event number E84953415. DETECTIVES are seeking footage and witnesses as they work to piece together a fatal crash at Lake Macquarie. Emergency services were called to Main Road at Fennell Bay at about 1am on June 23 after reports of a serious two-vehicle collision. Police at the scene found a bronze Suzuki Swift hatchback and a silver Alfa Romeo had crashed before the Suzuki went through a fence and hit a tree. The 38-year-old woman who had been driving the Suzuki died at the scene. The driver of the Alfa Romeo, a 37-year-old man, was taken to John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle but has since been released. Police established a crime scene and began investigations into how the crash unfolded. Detectives made a fresh appeal for information on Wednesday, July 30, as their investigation continues. Anyone who witnessed the crash, or who has footage in the vicinity of Main Road at Fennell Bay between 12.45am and 1.15am on June 23, has been urged to come forward to police. People with information can call Belmont police or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000, or via the online portal, and reference event number E84953415. DETECTIVES are seeking footage and witnesses as they work to piece together a fatal crash at Lake Macquarie. Emergency services were called to Main Road at Fennell Bay at about 1am on June 23 after reports of a serious two-vehicle collision. Police at the scene found a bronze Suzuki Swift hatchback and a silver Alfa Romeo had crashed before the Suzuki went through a fence and hit a tree. The 38-year-old woman who had been driving the Suzuki died at the scene. The driver of the Alfa Romeo, a 37-year-old man, was taken to John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle but has since been released. Police established a crime scene and began investigations into how the crash unfolded. Detectives made a fresh appeal for information on Wednesday, July 30, as their investigation continues. Anyone who witnessed the crash, or who has footage in the vicinity of Main Road at Fennell Bay between 12.45am and 1.15am on June 23, has been urged to come forward to police. People with information can call Belmont police or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000, or via the online portal, and reference event number E84953415. DETECTIVES are seeking footage and witnesses as they work to piece together a fatal crash at Lake Macquarie. Emergency services were called to Main Road at Fennell Bay at about 1am on June 23 after reports of a serious two-vehicle collision. Police at the scene found a bronze Suzuki Swift hatchback and a silver Alfa Romeo had crashed before the Suzuki went through a fence and hit a tree. The 38-year-old woman who had been driving the Suzuki died at the scene. The driver of the Alfa Romeo, a 37-year-old man, was taken to John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle but has since been released. Police established a crime scene and began investigations into how the crash unfolded. Detectives made a fresh appeal for information on Wednesday, July 30, as their investigation continues. Anyone who witnessed the crash, or who has footage in the vicinity of Main Road at Fennell Bay between 12.45am and 1.15am on June 23, has been urged to come forward to police. People with information can call Belmont police or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000, or via the online portal, and reference event number E84953415.
The Independent
a day ago
- Automotive
- The Independent
Don't like your new Alfa Romeo EV? Give it back after six months
Alfa Romeo will let drivers cut and run after six months with the Junior Elettrica Special under its new 'Flex & Free' scheme. Aimed at EV-curious drivers hesitant to commit to a fully electric car, the scheme is a tweak on the usual personal contract hire offer – drive the new Junior Elettrica Speciale for six months and you have the freedom to hand the car back, change to a different Alfa Romeo model, or continue with your contract. The move is an attempt to address the fear of commitment that new EV buyers face, offering a get out of jail free card for those unsure if an electric vehicle will suit their lifestyle. The modified personal contract hire (PCH) agreement, provided by parent company Stellantis's financial arm, aims to provide peace of mind in a fast-changing market. For an initial rental fee of £1,497 followed by monthly payments of £499, customers can get behind the wheel of the Junior Elettrica Speciale on a 48-month contract. Unlike a standard PCH deal, customers can give just one month's notice to exit the agreement without penalty after five months, so long as you haven't ruined the car with mileage or damage. To sweeten the deal, Alfa Romeo throws in a home wall box, a service plan, roadside assistance and an additional £1,500 EV grant on top. Jules Tilstone, Managing Director at Alfa Romeo UK, explained the strategy: 'In a rapidly changing market, we're offering customers the chance to have the vehicle they want, when they want. This offer is designed for those who want to try an EV without the fear of commitment. We are confident that when someone experiences the Junior Elettrica and feels that special Alfa Romeo DNA all our models share, they'll fall in love with it.' Tilstone added, 'however, if they decide that the switch to electric doesn't suit them, then they can end their contract or change into another model and still get to experience that Alfa Romeo feeling.' The offer centres on the well-equipped Junior Elettrica Speciale, which features a 156hp electric motor and a battery capable of up to 255 miles on a single charge. It supports 100kW rapid charging, which can complete a 20-80 per cent topup in less than 30 minutes. The Speciale launch edition comes with a distinctive sports styling kit, 18in Petali alloy wheels and an impressive level of standard interior equipment, including a six-way, electrically operated driver's seat with a massage function. This flexible, subscription-style offer is a canny move for a storied brand like Alfa Romeo, as it navigates its transition to electrification amid huge competition. The Junior is a critical part of Alfa Romeo's plan, tasked with attracting a new generation of EV buyers. By lowering the barrier to entry and removing long-term risk, Alfa Romeo hopes to get more drivers behind the wheel of its electric compact SUV, banking on the car's style and driving dynamics to win them over for the long haul. The Flex & Free offer is available on orders placed between 1 July and 30 September, 2025.
The Age
a day ago
- Automotive
- The Age
The cars that don't lose value as soon as you drive away
Since auctioneer Damien Duigan was in his teens, he's been following the rise and rise in the value of classic cars. His father owned an MGA Twin Cam circa 1959 in the 1960s, then switched to an Alfa Romeo 2600 circa 1964, before moving to a Fiat 132 to accommodate his family's needs. It's easy in hindsight to say, 'I should have…' , but Duigan says that purchasing an Alfa Romeo 25 years ago would have meant a significant increase in value over the years. 'An Alfa Romeo then would have cost between $15,000 and $20,000 and would now be worth approximately $75,000. Most new cars that aren't classic generally devalue once you leave the showroom,' he says. Duigan, from Donington Auctions, which has showrooms in Melbourne and Sydney, says the value of some of these classics obviously comes down to their condition, but also their provenance. ' If a certain car raced at Le Mans or the Mille Miglia (1000 miles in Italian) the value certainly increases,' says Duigan. While classics from the 1950s through to the '70s are still within reach, other cars such as Ferraris or Aston Martins from the 1960s can easily set you back $500,000. For those not in this buying echelon, Duigan suggests looking at classics such as the Austin-Healey or a Triumph in the $30,000 to $60,000 range. But if there's the ability to 'splurge', one could easily spend $5 million on a Lamborghini Miura that was produced between 1966 and 1972. Designed by Marcello Gandini, the vale of this car can also be attributed to the position of the engine, located behind the driver.
