ALFA ROMEO AT THE BOLOGNA MOTOR SHOW 2000

Alfa Romeo is showing a selection of youthful, feisty models at the 25th Bologna Motor Show. All feature frill-free lines to die for and plenty of high technology.

Queen of the stand is the Alfa 147, Alfa Romeo's new compact car, which has just been voted Car of the Year 2001 (the prize award ceremony will be hosted by the German magazine 'Stern' and is due to take place in Hamburg on January 25) by an international jury made up of 56 motoring journalists representing 21 European countries.

This latest success makes this the tenth time that a Fiat Auto model has received the most prestigious acknowledgement granted to the world motoring industry. An outright record when you consider that the car manufacturers placed second on the list (Ford and Renault) have each won just four times. Four out of the last seven wins have gone to Fiat Auto: Fiat Punto in 1995, Fiat Bravo/Brava in 1996, Alfa 156 in 1998 and Alfa 147 in 2001.

A total of 238 votes gave the Alfa 147 first place ahead of the other cars that made it through the selection process to the last ten: Ford Mondeo, Toyota Prius, Audi A2, Mercedes C Class, Opel Corsa, Volvo S60/V70, Chrysler PT/C, Peugeot 607 and Citroen Picasso. The new prestige sporty compact car was not only outright winner of the 38th Car of the Year competition but also won votes from most jury members: no fewer than 51 out of 56 jury members included it among their favourites.

This is not the only accolade received by the Alfa 147. On November 12 this year (i.e. in advance of its German début planned for January 2001) - the German weekly magazine 'Bild am Sonntag' awarded it its 'Golden Steering Wheel' award.

When the Alfa 147 was introduced to the international press on October 13 this year, it immediately aroused great interest and very favourable comments from the 860 journalists or more from 62 countries who met in Monte Carlo for the launch.

This critical acclaim was immediately confirmed by customer enthusiasm. Alfa Romeo dealers gathered more than 20,000 orders in Europe during the first week of sale alone (October 28 - November 4).

The six cars exhibited in Bologna stand on a sloping platform where dashes of red and hi-tech lava-like surfaces make them look as though they are erupting from an energy-filled volcanic world.

The cars shown include two Alfa 147 2.0 Selespeed versions and four 120 bhp 1.6 versions, all with the Distinctive outfit.

Pictures and items beside each platform describe the model's many attributes in detail. These include the Selespeed engine-gearbox unit, six standard airbags, dual zone climate control system - and CONNECT, the Alfa 147's innovative on-line system that will be available from Spring 2001.

The trail weaves between the cars to end in a tunnel at the heart of the stand. Inside you can enjoy videos, film clips, pictures and music that bring you closer to the spirit of a brand that has always seen the car as an object that should be capable of making the heart beat faster (remember the slogan 'Alfa thrills your life'?.

As you leave the world of the Alfa 147, you will come across two Alfa 156 Sportwagons. These 103 kW (140 bhp) 2.4 JTD and 110 kW (150 bhp) 2.0 T. Spark Selespeed versions are equipped with a sophisticated robotised gearbox with steering wheel controls for safety, comfort and incredible driving satisfaction.

The carnival of cars and engines on show in Bologna provides the ideal setting for our racing versions. So please give a warm hand to the Alfa 147 SuperProduzione, developed by Fiat Auto Attività Sportive, as it makes its first public outing. It is flanked by the Alfa 156 Superturismo version that sped Fabrizio Giovanardi to triumph in the European Super Touring Cup this year.

You can also get information about the services Targa Services makes available to motorists. The full product range is distributed in conjunction with Fiat, Lancia and Alfa Romeo sales and service dealers and covers: freephone customer care lines, traffic information, roadside rescue, hire, purchase finance, insurance packages, approved body shops, MOTs, used car management and check-ups.

An Internet station is available for visitors who wish to visit the buy@alfaromeo site and find out more about the new service that allows you to pick an Alfa model (complete with options and accessories) and make an appointment with your nearest dealer to finalise the purchase.

The stand showcases exhibit items and accessories from the Alfa Romeo Range with pride of place given to the items developed for the Alfa 147.

A separate point is devoted to the De Adamich Safe Driving Centre. Here visitors can obtain information on courses held in Varano.

The cars are surrounded by all the razzmatazz we have come to expect from the Bologna Show. The Alfa Romeo stand, for example, is enlivened by an exhibition staged by eight gymnasts who perform acrobatics on two great wall-bars and portal-like structures next to the Alfa 147s. Their strong, sinuous body movements and flickering images on monitors dotted here and there on the wall-bars help emphasise the Brand's energy and vivacity.

Visitors can try out our Alfa 147 2.0 Selespeed versions in the test drive area and discover their many attributes: good looks, sportiness, safety and prestige. While on the outdoor tracks, you can admire the Alfa GTV 3.0 V6 cars that took part in the GTV Cup Trophy this year as they are put through their paces in speed trials.