As Alfa Romeo prepares to launch its Tonale premium crossover in the US, the brand’s chief executive has set his sights on an ambitious strategy to open the first North American vehicle assembly plant for the 113-year-old brand.

Alfa Romeo CEO Jean-Philippe Imparato discloses the plan to North American journalists visiting Milan to drive the new Tonale, which slots in below the Stelvio crossover and will compete against the BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA, Volvo XC40, and others in the popular small luxury crossover segment.