Alfa Romeo hopes data collected through a non-fungible token (NFT) record of the Tonale SUV’s battery life and service history will help the company identify parts of the vehicle that could be improved, and how to get the best out of individual components to improve overall performance.
Also, the data stored on the blockchain can bring authenticity in a second-hand market context. Those who can say that they have a reliable record of their car’s full-service history and detailed performance data could be more likely to sell their vehicle and often for a better price.
Alfa Romeo now says that the company’s focus is on the future and that establishing a reputation for building high-quality electric vehicles will take precedence over achieving high sales, especially in the next few years with the planned transition to an all-electric line.
“I know it may sound a little strange, but [our measure of success] is quality,” explains Alfa Romeo head of product, Daniel Guzzafame. “Because we need that much more than the sales. We need that to be consistent and credible in the switch.”
Famous Alfa Romeo collectors and admirers include US fashion designer Ralph Lauren, who owns an extremely rare 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 Mille Miglia and movie star Sophia Loren, who was spotted in a slew of Alfas over the years, including a Giulietta Sprint.
So, the potential is there for the value of classic Alfas to increase, but in terms of the future, Alfa Romeo has its sights set squarely on innovation and the utilisation of contemporary digital technology.
Battery-powered vehicles are very different from their combustion-engine counterparts. The huge loss of power that can result from a short circuit undoubtedly haunts the dreams of modern car designers and the possible problems that an EV can encounter will spell disaster for reckless engineering.
But, as with many manufacturing industries, car engineers are only as good as the data they refer to when designing new vehicles and redesigning old models. This is where an NFT, secured by blockchain technology, comes in handy.
Performance data will only be shared with the owner’s consent and it’s safe to say that if enough Tonale PHEV owners share their NFT-secured data, Alfa Romeo will be given possibly the clearest idea a car manufacturer has ever had about one of their product’s performance.
Despite having been purchased by Stellantis, the parent company of other car brands like Jeep and Maserati, Alfa Romeo maintains that the NFT technology will remain exclusive to Alfa Romeos for the foreseeable future.