The success of the Alfa 147 and, before that, of the 156 saloon and Sportwagon, is apparent in Spain, while sales figures can only benefit from the arrival of the GTA versions, the groundbreaking JTS and the second-generation JTD engines, now Multijet and multivalve. 

Alfa has enjoyed a steady growth trend. In Spain, for example Alfa Romeo sales increased by 10% in 2002 despite a 7% drop in the overall market. During the same year, brand sales increased by 23% compared to 2001. This is the outcome of a new, improved sales process: in 2002, Spanish dealers increased their turnover by an impressive 26%. 

These outstanding results are only to be expected from a strong, exclusive brand that is known throughout the world, a brand that is identified with fine looking, vigorous cars and more - a whole lifestyle in fact. And customers are prepared to pay for the extra edge over the competition offered by all this heritage. Alfa Romeo is basking in its great lineage and the excellent public perception of its brand. Great lineage means: motorsport success, models that have always combined the cream of engineering with inimitable styling and - lastly - great individuals who have gone down in the history of motoring. Alfa Romeo's image ensures it is still appreciated throughout the world and perceived as a byword for style, sportiness and emotion. 

In Spain, for example, Alfa Romeo achieved a historical record when its 'intention to buy' index rose by 44% in 2002. This encouraging trend has continued into the first few months of 2003. Compared to the same period last year, Alfa Romeo sales have risen by more than 45% while the final goal is 12,000 units. 

THE ALFA ROMEO STAND IN BARCELONA

'Beauty is not enough' is the underlying concept of Alfa Romeo's new advertising campaign. The slogan expresses the importance of content over form. The Brand attracts for its Italian styling and the beauty it stands for, but customers also appreciate the handling and engineering of our cars when they try them for themselves. Apart from sporting elegance and Italian style, Alfa Romeo is also known for technological innovation and peerless driving satisfaction over any type of road in any situation and in any weather. 

This is borne out, yet again, by the line-up of major new products on view at the Barcelona International Motor Show. These cars are the indisputable stars of a display area that features a set made up of 'cells' and these, high-tech aluminium and glass cells form big curvy container-like rooms. 

Place of honour on the stand goes to the new Alfa Spider and Alfa GTV due to go on sale from May. Both models come with a brand-new look and a revised range of specifications and power units, though their timeless appeal is unchanged: driving satisfaction in a sporty, stylish package. Two open-topped sports cars are on show, both with a 2.0 JTS engine and two Alfa GTVs: one equipped with a 2.0 JTS and the other with a powerful 3.2 V6. 

All eyes will also be on the new Alfa GT Coupé. The model was created in conjunction with Bertone and proposes original styling coupled with exhilarating performance. It is a revolutionary new concept of sportiness that features comfort and elegance as well. 

The line-up continues with the GTA family: compellingly styled sports vehicles that combine a glittering racing pedigree with the cream of contemporary engineering. Two 147 GTAs can be seen on the stand: the fastest, most powerful car in its segment (250 bhp - 184 kW). In the middle of the exhibition area, you can see a 156 GTA with the sophisticated Selespeed robotised gearbox. 

The Alfa 147 is represented by two versions: a 140 bhp 1.9 JTD 16v Multijet with five doors in the Distinctive specification and a 150 bhp 2.0 T. Spark 16V with five doors equipped with a Selespeed sequential gearbox. 

The Spanish show would not be complete without the range leader Alfa 166 in a version with 3.0 V6 power unit and automatic transmission, and the New Alfa 156 and Sportwagon, good-looking cars packed with innovative ideas and engineering. These are represented by a saloon with a 165 bhp 2.0 JTS engine and a Sportwagon with a 140 bhp 1.9 JTD 16 valve Multijet engine. Last but not least, visitors can also see the revolutionary new engines in the Alfa Romeo range behind their aluminium, glass and Plexiglas showcases.