Monday saw the French performance brand, Alpine, declare its intent to make an entry into the U.S. market in 2027, accompanied by a completely electric vehicle lineup.
Having its roots in motorsports since 1955, Alpine was conceived by Jean Rédélé, and later stepped into sports car manufacturing, using Renault parts. It was eventually absorbed into Renault in 1973, continuing its sports car operations with a keen focus on the European market.
Fast forward to 2021, Alpine was rebranded as an independent entity and filled Renault’s shoes in Formula 1. The company plans to leverage its F1 reputation to gain ground in the U.S. and potentially China—two burgeoning markets for F1. Alpine’s competitive streak extends to the World Endurance Championship, where it’s set to compete in the Hypercar class with an LMDh race car from next year.
On its path to global expansion, Alpine revealed its collaboration with RedBird investment firm and AutoNation dealership group on Monday. Renault CEO, Luca de Meo, earlier suggested in February that AutoNation could potentially assist Alpine in car sales within the U.S. market. For other international markets, the company would be dependent on Renault’s dealer network.
From an investment standpoint, RedBird, along with Otro Capital and Ryan Reynolds-supported Maximum Effort Investments, are set to pour in 200 million euros (approximately $218 million) to secure a 24% share in the Alpine F1 team, thereby valuing the team around $900 million, according to Alpine.
Alpine’s only production car currently is the A110, a mid-engine sports car introduced in 2017 with annual sales numbering in the thousands. To penetrate the U.S. market, Alpine is preparing two vehicles anticipated to rival the Porsche Cayenne and Macan. Alpine CEO, Laurent Rossi, hinted earlier this year that the platforms for these models could be borrowed from a different firm, with Zhejiang Geely being a potential match, given its ongoing collaboration with Renault on multiple joint ventures.
Alpine is also in the process of devising its own platform and proprietary technologies for future sports cars. This platform, referred to as the Alpine Performance Platform (APP), is expected to support a revamped A110 available in both coupe and convertible variants. It will also underpin a four-seater coupe christened the A310. Originally, Alpine intended to join forces with Lotus for its sports car platform.
Also in Alpine’s pipeline are a compact crossover and an A290 subcompact hot hatch, both of which will utilize platforms from the Renault Nissan Mitsubishi Alliance. The A290, previewed as a concept car in May, is set to launch sales in 2024, marking the advent of Alpine’s new EVs. The compact crossover is due for a 2025 release, followed by the redesigned A110 in 2026. The first U.S. models are expected to hit the market in 2027, with the second model likely around 2028. However, the release timeframe for the A310 remains unclear.
In addition to EVs, Alpine is also exploring the possibility of using hydrogen-fueled internal-combustion engines, a technology that promises zero carbon emissions, as demonstrated by Alpine’s 2022 Alpenglow concept.
Alpine aims to transform from a specialized brand to a full-scale global brand, as stated by Rossi. He added, “By amalgamating a more diverse range with international growth, we aim to achieve an operating margin above 10% by 2030, thereby cementing our business model’s sustainability.”
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Alpine US Launch
When is Alpine planning to enter the U.S. market?
Alpine is planning to enter the U.S. market in 2027.
What type of vehicles will Alpine launch in the U.S.?
Alpine will launch a fully electric lineup in the U.S.
When was Alpine made a standalone business?
Alpine was made a standalone business in 2021.
Who are the investment firms working with Alpine for its global expansion?
Alpine is working with investment firm RedBird and dealer group AutoNation on its global expansion.
What is the value of the Alpine F1 team as a result of recent investments?
The Alpine F1 team is valued at around $900 million as a result of recent investments.
What models are expected to be part of Alpine’s entry into the U.S. market?
Alpine is preparing two vehicles for the U.S. market, speculated to be SUVs competing in the same segments as the Porsche Cayenne and Macan.
What is the Alpine Performance Platform (APP)?
The Alpine Performance Platform (APP) is a proprietary electric sports car platform being developed by Alpine for its future sports cars.
When is Alpine planning to start sales of its new electric vehicles (EVs)?
Alpine is planning to start sales of its new EVs in 2024.
More about Alpine US Launch
- Alpine Official Website
- Alpine F1 Team
- Renault Official Website
- AutoNation Official Website
- RedBird Capital Partners Official Website
- Zhejiang Geely Holding Group
- World Endurance Championship
8 comments
so they are teaming up with AutoNation, big move. Good for them. electric cars are the future and they know it
Wow, Alpine stepping up their game! Can’t wait to see those electric models in the US, 2027 can’t come soon enough.
hydrogen fueled engines too? That’s impressive, Alpine’s looking at the long game here. Go green or go home, right?
interesting to see them moving away from traditional sports cars to SUVs for the US. market. Hope they keep their signature style!
Alpine has always been an extension of Renault for me. Interesting to see them branch out on their own, hope they do well in the US!
alpine developing their own EV platform? That’s ambitious! Curious to see what they come up with.
I’m not sure about this, I always loved the A110. Hope they wont ruin the brand with these changes…
900 million for the F1 team? that’s a huge investment! Hope it pays off for Redbird and co.