Carlos Tavares calms things down After the discontent in Italy, the head of Stellantis renames Alpha Romeo’s small 100% electric SUV as “Junior”. Initially it would be called “Milano”, in homage to the city of origin of the Italian manufacturer. Except the vehicle will be produced in Poland. This announcement provoked the ire of the Italian Industry Minister.
“A car called Milano cannot be manufactured in Poland. It is prohibited by Italian law,” reacted Adolfo Urso, quoted in an Automotive News article.
On a trip this Monday to the Trémery factory, near Metz, Carlos Tavares finally made a gesture towards Italy.
“We worked all weekend to change the name. It is a sign of appeasement, we have a large library of names,” he told reporters present at the scene.
“We believe that the name Milano fully respects Italian law, but we have decided to change it to promote a climate of relaxation,” Alfa Romeo CEO Jean-Philippe Imparato said during a call with reporters, Bloomberg reported.
Context of tensions between Stellantis and Italy
The head of Stellantis, Alfa Romeo’s parent company, initially responded to the minister on the issue of production in Poland, citing a profitability imperative.
“We can produce all Alfa Romeos in Italy, but you won’t get a Milano for 30,000 euros. You could have bought it for 40,000 euros, which would limit its potential in the market,” explained Carlos Tavares in comments transcribed by Motor1. .
This skirmish with the Italian Minister of Industry must also be placed in the context of concern for the future of the transalpine automobile industry. The president of the Italian Council, Giorgia Meloni, has been very critical for several months on the consequences of the merger between PSA and Fiat-Chrysler (FCA) that gave rise to Stellantis in 2021.
Source: BFM TV
