- Symbolically delivered today in Rome to the General Command of the Carabinieri, the first Alfa Romeo Tonale due to become part of the force’s fleet of vehicles. The meeting was attended by the most senior officers of the Carabinieri, of the Alfa Romeo brand, and of Stellantis in Italy.
- The historical partnership between Alfa Romeo and the Carabinieri, which originated after World War II, has therefore been renewed. The “Alfa Romeo in Uniform” section at the Museo Storico in Arese presents a journey through time featuring all the models that link the brand to the Italian Armed Forces.
Rome, June 28th, 2018 – This morning, in the barracks named after General Azolino Hazon – recipient of the Silver Medal for Military Valor – at the headquarters of the General Command of the Carabinieri, the new Alfa Romeo Tonale Hybrid was symbolically delivered. It forms part of an initial batch of 400 Tonales, due to become part of the force’s fleet of vehicles between this July and late 2024.
The event was attended by Commander-General Gen. C.A. Teo Luzi, Alfa Romeo CEO Jean-Philippe Imparato, Stellantis Country Manager, Italy Santo Ficili, as well as the heads of the General Staff of the General Command of the Carabinieri.
The first batch of Tonales is destined for mobile radio units throughout Italy and will support the 200-hp Alfa Romeo Giulia AT8 to raise the efficiency of the Carabinieri’s emergency response even further. The traditional speed and promptness of intervention made possible by these cars over the years has earned them the popular nickname of “Gazzelle”. Indeed, the insignia of these units feature a bolt of lightning and a jumping gazelle.
For the first time, a vehicle from the C-SUV segment is being introduced among the vehicles used by the mobile radio units. This diversification provides greater versatility in service performance, as well as a significant increase in the level of comfort for officers, especially useful for long shifts.
The Alfa Romeo Tonale model unveiled today is equipped with a 163-hp 1.5-liter hybrid engine (petrol/electric), with 7-speed TCT automatic transmission. Fitted out in the traditional mobile radio unit livery (red and blue with a white roof), it features partial armor to protect the officers, a single cell for the secure transport of prisoners, a two-tone electronic siren and flashing blue LED lights. The interior trim has been redesigned and modified to provide officers with maximum comfort, and to fit specific equipment (bulletproof vests, high-visibility torches, long firearms, etc.).
The decision to adopt latest-generation hybrid vehicles epitomizes the Carabinieri’s commitment to protecting their local area, where it is at the forefront as the largest locally based police force in Europe.
The partnership between Alfa Romeo and the Carabinieri is historic, having begun after World War II; the force’s first Alfa Romeo was the 1900 M “Matta” in 1951. One year later, the 1900 sedan became the first “Gazzella”, which stands for emergency response in the Carabinieri’s vernacular. Its direct descendant was the 1960s Giulia, used from 1963 to 1968. Since then, the link between the Carabinieri and Alfa Romeo has continued over the years, with the Alfetta, 90, 75, 155, 156 and 159 and all the way to the Giulia Quadrifoglio.
Many of these cars are now on display at the Alfa Romeo Museum in Arese, in the “Alfa Romeo in Uniform” section devised in conjunction with the Carabinieri. This area was inaugurated on June 24th, 2020, to celebrate the brand’s 110th anniversary.
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