With Alfa Romeo’s curvaceous 4C sports coupe set to herald the marque’s triumphant return to North American shores when it goes on sale here for the 2015 model year, the big question was "Where will they be sold?" Alfa Romeo is owned by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, which also owns Maserati, and conflicting rumours hinted that the 4C might be sold either through select Fiat dealers, or through Maserati dealers.

Now Fiat Chrysler has answered the dealership question, appointing 86 Alfa Romeo dealer franchises across North America and promising more to come by the end of the year. Most of the franchises appear to be Fiat dealers, although there are a few Maserati dealers sprinkled into the mix as well.

Canada gets four Alfa Romeo dealerships initially, with one in Toronto, one in Vancouver, and two in Quebec. The remaining 82 dealerships are spread across the U.S. Only 33 states will get franchises initially, with the highest concentrations in California, Texas and Florida.

"This group of dealers represents the first phase in the Alfa Romeo dealer network selection process," said Peter Grady, Fiat Chrysler’s vice president of network development. "Each Alfa Romeo dealer will have a unique staff dedicated to the brand’s premium market clientele. We require each Alfa Romeo dealer to have their sales and technical staff go through an intensive curriculum to ensure the highest levels of customer care and proficiency of the Alfa Romeo 4C."

Alfa Romeo’s longer-term plan is to bring a broader range of its cars to North America, and to support this Grady said the company anticipates that the Alfa Romeo dealer network will ultimately exceed 300 franchises in North America.

©(Copyright Canadian Auto Press)