The historic side plate, a distinctive element of many modern Alfa Romeos such as the Stelvio and Giulia, is about to disappear. In fact, on future Biscione cars it will be placed in a central position, so as to comply with the latest safety regulations. Even today, unfortunately, the number of road victims is too high, in particular among the most vulnerable users, namely cyclists and pedestrians.
In light of the alarming numbers, the European institutions have decided to tighten their belts. The directives aim to make this type of event increasingly rare, with the ultimate aim of eliminating them by 2050. Hence the measures implemented by Alfa Romeo. Which, perhaps, will leave the faithful, tied to tradition, dissatisfied, but are based on concrete reasons.
Adaptation to new European standards
For its part, the Casa del Biscione wanted to make some clarifications. This is an obligatory choice, not a modification dictated by aesthetic purposes. “We had to give up the lateral arrangement of the license plate due to the new approval standards for pedestrian safety”explained the head of the style center, Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos, in an interview with Truck. “This innovation derives from changes recently made to European safety regulations, aimed at improving the protection of pedestrians in the event of an accident with a vehicle. More traditional enthusiasts may not be enthusiastic about this decision, considering the presence of the license plate on the side to be fundamental for an Alfa Romeo.”.
Back to the past
The new European legislation requires, specifically, to place the license plate in a more visible and better protected way in the event of a collision, in order to improve the protection of pedestrians. From easy prediction, the change has welcomed mixed reactions. If there are those who understand the arguments put forward by the Arese company, some turn up their noses. However, the company’s spokespersons are convinced that they have taken the right path. This was confirmed by Mesonero-Romanos, who does not believe it is such a heavy loss. The solution has already been adopted by Alfa Romeo in the past, in models with important success on the market.
“However – the senior official said –it is important to note that there are numerous historic Alfa Romeos with the centrally mounted license plate, like my Alfetta and my Giulia from 1968which are simply splendid”. And there are the right conditions to dust off the old tradition. Once the initial shock has been taken care of, the vehicles of the Milanese brand will have the right tools to leave a good impression, in terms of style. “This choice – concluded Mesonero-Romanos – will still ensure a symmetry in the overall design, and personally I am happy with this news: I’m one of those who prefers the plate in the center”.
The head of design announced the use of the central plate on the Giulia and Stelvio of tomorrow, arriving by 2026. Both, we remember, will be created at the Cassino plant, equipped with an electric motor and STLA Large platform from the Stellantis group. The green light for production will be given first to the Giulia and then to the Stelvio. Drawing on all their vast knowledge, the designers aspire to achieve success in the premium class full electric segment.
