Alfa Romeo Tonale by the Italian Carabinieri: the brand reacts and reserves the right to defend itself before the authorities

The Alfa Romeo Tonale, the SUV emblematic of the Milanese brand's revival, is at the heart of a controversy in Italy. The UNARMA union, representing some of Italy's carabinieri, lodged an official complaint with the Rome public prosecutor's office, denouncing Tonale's unsuitability for field missions. In response, Alfa Romeo has issued a statement affirming the compliance of its vehicles with the most stringent safety standards and reserves the right to defend its image before the competent authorities.

An SUV deemed unfit for service

Since June 2023, several Alfa Romeo Tonales, in their 160 hp version with seven-speed automatic gearbox, have been integrated into the law enforcement fleet for mobile patrol missions. These vehicles have been modified for service: partial armouring, cell for arrested persons, blue LED lights, radio equipment, etc.

See this post on Instagram

A publication shared by @veicoli_.demergenza

However, according to field reports gathered by UNARMA, the vehicle's handling is problematic in emergency situations, particularly during high-speed pursuits or on rough roads, a common terrain for carabinieri. Several officers claim that these defects could endanger their safety and compromise the effectiveness of their interventions. The complaint also mentions accidents involving recently delivered Tonales.

Alfa Romeo's reaction

In response to UNARMA's statements, Alfa Romeo has issued an official statement:

"In response to recent press articles and statements by the Carabinieri union association UNARMA, Alfa Romeo reaffirms that its vehicles comply with the strictest safety regulations and are subjected to rigorous evaluation tests, including by the law enforcement agencies of the countries in which they operate, such as the Arma dei Carabinieri in Italy.

Alfa Romeo Tonale, in particular, is renowned for its advanced safety features, as repeatedly highlighted by the international press, which has highlighted the model's high level of technology and protection - qualities that have already convinced over 100,000 customers worldwide.

Alfa Romeo has a long-standing collaboration with all law enforcement agencies, aiming to develop the best vehicle configurations and conversions, in line with operational requirements and service needs.

The brand thus confirms the high level of quality, reliability and safety of its vehicles, developed according to advanced technological standards and in compliance with regulations and homologation requirements.

Alfa Romeo remains fully available for any clarification with the relevant authorities and reserves the right to defend its image and reputation before the appropriate bodies."

A sensitive case for Alfa Romeo

This case comes at a time when the Tonale is due for an update this year. For Alfa Romeo and Stellantis, this complaint comes at a bad time: in addition to the Junior, the Tonale is also a strategic model. It now remains to be seen whether this complaint will result in a change of specification for service vehicles, or even a change of supplier for future fleets destined for the Carabinieri.