You may have heard of the French car brand Alpine. It assumed the branding for parent company Renault's Formula 1 team — now affiliated with Ryan Reynolds. It also builds the Porsche Cayman-rivaling Alpine A110 sports car, which would probably make the Mount Rushmore of forbidden fruit for car enthusiasts.
Now the French brand has confirmed it is coming to America. Here's what you need to know about it.
Alpine is going electric
Many manufacturers are targeting 2030 to go electric; Alpine plans to be 100% EV by 2026 and achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030 (a bit easier when you're starting from scratch). The combustion A110, currently the brand's only car, will be phased out. Alpine will launch a lineup of seven new electric models by 2030.
Alpine plans to arrive in America by 2027
Alpine CEO Laurent Rossi described the plan to Automotive News. Alpine plans to launch in America with two electric crossovers, one midsize and one larger one, by 2027. The vehicles would be positioned to take on the Porsche Macan (soon to be an EV) and the Cayenne Coupe. Per Automotive News, the electric A110, a hotter version of the new Renault 5 EV hatchback and an Alpine compact crossover are not scheduled to be brought to America. No word yet on the four-seater A310 sports coupe.
Why is Alpine coming to America?
It makes business sense. Renault wants Alpine to sell way more cars and turn an operating profit of around 10% while doing so. That means new vehicles and expanding into new markets. One of the easiest ways for automakers to profit is by selling larger SUVs in America.
Nissan laying claim to America has been a primary reason Alliance member Renault has not returned to the U.S. But it's not clear that Infiniti's presence will keep Alpine out.
What will an Alpine electric SUV look like?
We don't know yet. Alpine does not currently build electric cars or sport utility vehicles. The brand plans to develop a flexible APP (Alpine Performance Platform) platform to underpin its upcoming range of cars and SUVs. Judging by past releases and concepts, we can expect the SUVs to be upmarket and sporty.
Should we get excited about Alpine coming to America?
Yes. The track record of French car manufacturers in America is admittedly not excellent. None have tried to return since Renault sold out its share of AMC to Chrysler in the late 1980s (the Stellantis merger scuttled plans to bring Peugeot over). But France produces more than its fair share of quirky, exciting cars. More options being on the market — especially more premium sporty options — is a win for customers and enthusiasts.
And if Alpine has an established brand presence when the "post-SUV" era materializes, there's a chance Alpine could revisit bringing over the sports cars and hot hatchbacks.
