This is a time when the cost of gas is becoming a major topic in the public discourse. Unexpected geopolitical developments can cause sudden, damaging fluctuations in basic household expenses. It should surprise few that quite a few car makers are innovating in all-electric and hybrid vehicles. Alfa Romeo in one brand currently doing its part to promote sustainable driving. Each new Alfa Romeo Tonale car is certified with its own NFT at purchase time. Over time, the car will automatically record crucial information and issue certificates. All data is recorded on the blockchain. This feature will make it easier to eliminate deception on the part of dealers, mechanics or sellers.
A Sporty Small SUV Powered by Electric
The 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale will be the last Alfa Romeo vehicle to use an old-fashioned internal combustion engine. By 2027, Alfa Romeo hopes to be entirely in the electric vehicle business. The Tonale is a sophisticated, modern subcompact sports utility vehicle (SUV). The vehicle boasts a sporty two-liter engine with four cylinders. The engine clocks in at 255 horsepower and plenty of torque; 296 foot-pounds of it. Alfa Romeo will take its first orders for the Tonale in late 2022. The Tonale will see full release sometime in the early months of 2023.
In 2024, Alfa Romeo moved back to the U.S. for the first time in about two decades. In the intervening years, Alfa Romeo has only released four new products. The company has had a hard time building momentum since its return. In 2019, Alfa Romeo sold roughly 19,000 units. This compared to BMW, which routinely sells over 160,000 cars per year.
Alfa Romeo: A 100-Year-Old Brand That Needed Help
Despite its venerable history, Alfa Romeo was badly in need of help when it changed ownership in early 2021. In January of that year, Fiat Chrysler merged with French automotive company PSA Groupe to become Stellantis. This move took quite a few onlookers by surprise. Today, Stellantis is doing everything it reasonably can to turn around Alfa Romeo’s fortunes. Pivoting to electric may help this company earn a larger stake among young, urban professionals. These days, young adults prize sustainability and environmental consciousness very highly. To meet the challenges of modern branding, Alfa relies heavily on Francesco Calcara, the company’s top marketing and communications officer.
Prior to the 2021 Stellaris takeover, Alfa’s leadership was in a state of flux. However, the company’s new management seems to have brought stability. The new leadership situation seems to have bred a new focus and competitiveness in the organization. By powering the Tonale with NFT, Alfa is tapping into a huge market of crypto enthusiasts. The blockchain allows for a level of transparency that has long been lacking in automotive sales and service. Arguably, this is one of the most practical uses of NFT yet seen. This is just one of many ways that Blockchain is disrupting a wide variety of industries. Using Blockchain, it is possible to reduce corruption and dishonesty in a nearly endless array of systems. The decentralized nature of Blockchain verification can restore trust to critical public and commercial functions.
