Sicherheit trifft Design: Alfa Romeo verabschiedet sich vom traditionellen versetzten Nummernschild

Alfa Romeo is abandoning the placement of offset front license plates

Future models will feature a centrally positioned plate due to pedestrian safety regulations

Traditionally, the distinctive offset front license plate has been a characteristic feature of many Alfa Romeo cars. This design choice is due to the prominent triangular "Scudetto" grille, which does not accommodate a central plate. However, this signature element is on the verge of elimination and is unlikely to return.

Moving forward, the company's entire lineup will feature centrally placed license plates. For those with a penchant for balance, this will come as welcome news. The aesthetic execution of this change remains to be seen. The latest Junior model provides an initial glimpse into this design update.

Photo Gallery: Testing the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio (2023)

Why is this happening? It's due to a new pedestrian safety regulation. Alfa Romeo's Head of Design, Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos, told Autocar that the change is being compelled by the European Union's General Safety Regulations (GSR).

It seems that by installing the plate in the center, the risk of injury is reduced. While this may not be immediately obvious, we are not safety experts… It will be fascinating to observe if this choice will also impact the design of cars sold beyond the 27 European Union nations.

Currently, the decision appears excessive for various reasons. How can the EU determine the exact point of impact on a car's front end in a pedestrian accident? Is a license plate truly going to make a difference in the severity of an incident involving a pedestrian being hit by a vehicle? As we anticipate some clarifying responses, we propose two potential solutions.

Eliminate the front license plate altogether, similar to the practice in numerous US states where it's not mandatory. If that seems too deregulated, surely a sticker would pose less of a risk to pedestrians than a protruding combination of plastic and metal from the front of a vehicle.

Alfa Romeo has complied with the new regulations by providing the Junior with a centrally mounted badge. The company's distinctive "Scudetto" remains prominently displayed, as the badge is positioned low on the bumper.

Motor1.com's Imagined Illustration of the 2025 Alfa Romeo Giulia

The head of design has confirmed that the upcoming versions of the Giulia and the Stelvio EV will feature a "fresh interpretation" of the V-shaped grille, likely to be a sealed design due to the absence of a combustion engine that requires cooling.

The European Union is effectively mandating Alfa Romeo to eliminate their offset license plates, but their head of design, Mesonero Romanos, is on board with the change: "It allows for symmetry, so I'm content – I'm one of those who prefer the plate centered."

The Alfa Romeo 33, produced from 1983 to 199

Despite the existence of asymmetrical designs since the 1950s, numerous Alfa vehicles have featured centrally mounted license plates. Iconic models such as the SZ and GTV, along with the Montreal, Alfetta, and Alfasud, as well as the 33 and 75 models, all sported front license plates positioned at the center.

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Source: Autocar

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