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Fiat has stalled plans to relaunch Lancia in the UK again – and may cancel them altogether.

Right-hand-drive Lancias were scheduled to be sold in the UK in early 2010, with the all-new Delta spearheading sales, but officially imports have been postponed now until at least 2011.

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However, Fiat UK marketing director Elena Bernadelli has revealed the relaunch of Lancia in the...Read the full article

A great shame this relaunch is called off, I always had a real affection for Lancia`s and I thought this new Delta a handsome beast.

However in truth, Lancia means very little in the UK and less and less elsewhere. If the Fiat - chrysler collaboration shows some success i suspect this once great name may well die altogther.

I always fancied a Trevi with that amazing Gruyere cheese dashboard.

This doesn't seem right to me for some reason.

With the exception of the Ypsilon and the Thesis, the other current and future Lancia models are based on platforms shared with Alfa Romeo and Fiat.  If those models can be built in RHD and are able to be sold in the UK successfully, then why not Lancia?  The engineering is already done for those vehicles utilizing common components -- what else is there that needs to be done outside of swtiching the dashboard layout?

Honestly, this is a bit shortsighted; especially as Fiat hopes to introduce Lancia into more markets.  Already they are looking to sell the brand long-term in China, India, and other markets.  Doesn't it make sense to push for expansion in the UK just as they tackle these markets?

Makes sense not to bother with the UK market if Lancia is to be axed in the near future as some Italian insiders have been speculating recently.   After all, as the old saying goes since Lancia were taken over by FIAT all those years ago:  "What's a Lancia?  Just a FIAT, only fancier!" 

 

jonfortwo:

A great shame this relaunch is called off, I always had a real affection for Lancia`s and I thought this new Delta a handsome beast.

 

Agree with that. Saw loads in Italy (where else?) recently and was reminded of what a handsome car the new Delta is. Also like the Thesis although I doubt it would ever sell in the UK.

The current design language Lancia is using is great, and seeing a lancia always makes me feel like I am in italy.  It is a shame that will be missing from the UK car market.  I even think there is space for the brand, as people downsize to smaller cars but still seek individuality and style, just from a smaller more eco footprint.

Lanicas are exotica outside italy, regardless of size or price and that has value in the current/future car climate, so heres hoping for the reborn Fulvia and Aurelia!

Alfa will do unitll then,

In an iphone dominated world, this is the equivalent of Palm saying that they will drop their least popular model. i.e. totally inconsequential.

jonfortwo:

I always fancied a Trevi with that amazing Gruyere cheese dashboard.

Yes the dash looked interesting , but the 3-box conversion of the original fastback Beta shape was a clumsy piece of work.

Maybe they should make a new Lancia "White Hen" based on the 500. Real classic that was.....

Uncle Mellow:

but the 3-box conversion of the original fastback Beta shape was a clumsy piece of work.

If i remember correctly the Trevi was launched at exactly the same time as the deeply dreary Talbot Solara saloon. I know which saloon conversion i would prefer and i quite like the venetian slats behind the back door.

I sat and re-read the launch of the Lancia Gamma in a 1970`s copy of CAR magazine last night. That was a genuinely exciting new car and LJK Setright managed as always to turn a cars flaws into assets by the end of the article.

I have gone all misty eyed......