Mini U.S. dealers will also sell Alfa Romeo cars

Alfa Romeo is ready for a US launch. But it needs a little help from BMW. Until they’ll have a dealership of their own, "Mini U.S. dealers would have the possibility to also sell Alfa Romeo cars," a Fiat spokesman said.

Fiat and BMW announced today that they have signed an agreement for possible co-operation on components and architectures for their Mini and Alfa Romeo vehicles.

Alfa Romeo plans to return to the United States in 2010. The first U.S. model is expected to be an entry-level premium five-door hatchback, code-named project 940.

The new car will debut in Europe late next year, replacing the Alfa 147.