The United States has lost its influence at the head of Alfa Romeo's design team, just months ahead of the Italian brand's official return to North America.

Frank Stephenson, 49, the multicultural American who has guided Alfa Romeo's styling department to the triumphs of the 8C Competizione and the Mi.To hatchback, has parted ways with the company.

Stephenson confirmed to AutoWeek that it was his decision to leave Alfa Romeo, but he did not want to comment on his reasons.

"I have a few things I am looking at now, but I don't want to go into them, but it's something that I have instigated," Stephenson said.

Rumors about Stephenson leaving Alfa Romeo have been circulating in Italy since Fiat boss Sergio Marchionne tempted the former Pininfarina design director Lorenzo Ramaciotti out of retirement in May 2007 to head the Fiat Group's styling team.

Stephenson, however, denied there was a link, even though he was moved to Alfa Romeo to make way for Ramaciotti, whose credits were as diverse as the Ferrari F40 and 360 and the Daewoo Nubira.

"There are no problems with Lorenzo. He is a fun guy to work with, and we worked very well together," Stephenson said.

Stephenson's design teams have been credited with the new Mini and the original BMW X5 when he was at BMW, and Maserati's Quattroporte and MC12. Stephenson is already known as the father of Fiat's new small-car style.

His time at Fiat coincided with the brand's resurgence in Europe, particularly on the back of his Grande Punto, Bravo and Cinquecento small cars.

"Just because a car doesn't cost much, that doesn't mean it can't be beautiful," he insisted.

Stephenson will be replaced by 40-year-old Austrian Christopher Reitz.


Source: - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER