Let us be one of the first to say so: if true this stinks. As every good Alfa-phile knows, Fiat has been getting more and more serious about reviving the Alfa Romeo badge and brand here in the United States. Aside from the more than obvious stuff like the 8C Competizione and Brera — did ya’ll catch the fantabulous new 149. Damn straight I said fantabulous. Americans, me thinks, are hungry for high content, stylish yet small cars. Especially vehicles backed by a proper badge (sorry Saturn Astra). But due to the global economic slowdown, Fiat (Alfa’s daddy) has determined that the only way to bring the cars to America is to build the cars here in America. Which takes time. Forget 2010. Start thinking 2011. Or more likely 2012 just in time for the Mayan apocalypse if they bother to come here at all. What about the much talked Fiat 500? Dunno — neither of our source articles mentions the cute little guy, but let’s go ahead and assume “no.” Why? I don’t think there are enough Ferrari/Maserati dealers to support what’s presumably a volume proposition. And if you can’t sell ‘em at Alfa dealers… sigh. One slice of silver lining — if you’re insanely wealthy and well connected you’ve already purchased your American spec 8C Competizione. ‘Cause they’ve sold out. [Source Italiaspeed via Autoblog]