The dismantling of Lancia in our regions is taking on ever more extensive forms. After the curtain fell in October in the Netherlands for the noble Italian brand, Belgium now also appears to follow. Belgian sources report that Lancia will withdraw from the Belgian dealer network in March. It is a new step in the strategy of parent company Fiat Chrysler (FCA) to remove the brand from foreign markets.
The parent company wants to definitively focus on the four brands Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Jeep and Chrysler. Fiat bought Lancia in 1969, but the brand has been in the doldrums since the XNUMXs. The consequences of the difficult policy and the disturbing news reports also became visible in the Netherlands and Belgium. In recent years, only a few hundred Lancias have been sold in the Netherlands and Belgium. Incidentally, owners of a Lancia can still contact the FCA dealer network for maintenance.
History full of innovation
Lancia has been big in name for years, but small in action. The 110-year-old Torinese brand owes its big name to an impressive model history. From Ardea to Appia, from Flavia to Flaminia, from Aurelia GT to Stratos, from Fulvia to Delta: thanks to these models, the Italians have been able to occupy a special and highly respectable position in the automotive industry for decades. It produced the very first V6, launched the first self-supporting body with the Lambda in 1922, and was a pioneer in the field of lightweight construction.
Exclusive models and rally icons
Furthermore, the already beautiful models from home were an excellent starting point for numerous design houses to construct exclusive variants. In terms of equipment and finish, the noble Italian brand always strived for high quality. The Milanese brand also grew big due to international competition successes. The Rally 037, the Delta Integrale, the LC 1 / LC2 versions, the Stratos and the Fulvia Coupé HF regularly entered the highest podium.
Small corporate role for Lancia
Fortunately, the history remains alive. The retreating movement of FCA boss Sergio Marchionne towards the Milanese brand does mean, however, that Lancia will no longer be a symbol for revolutionary developments and special innovations. Little consolation: the brand will not disappear completely from Europe. Lancia will (still) be retained for its home market Italy.