AIfa Romeo boss Jean-Philippe Imparato has urged European politicians to focus on protecting jobs in the automotive industry rather than model names, following a spat that prompted a late rebranding of the firm's new compact crossover.
The Milano was renamed Junior just five days after it was revealed, following claims by Italian industry minister Adolfo Urso that the use of Milano violated an Italian law that geographical names can be used only for products that are produced in the region.
The law is generally applied to products such as Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. The Junior will be produced at a Stellantis plant in Tychy, Poland.
Urso's claims followed comments by Stellantis boss Carlos Tavares at the unveiling of the Milano, warning the Italian government against offering incentives to Chinese and other foreign companies to establish battery and car production facilities in Italy.
Speaking to Autocar, Imparato said the decision to change the name of the Milano was made despite legal advice that the name didn't violate the law, and was to avoid being drawn into a political row.
Denne historien er fra April 24, 2024-utgaven av Autocar UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra April 24, 2024-utgaven av Autocar UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
MG 4
An EV changes your driving style - but not to the detriment of pleasure
PEUGEOT E-208
Time with our French hatch is up. Is it good riddance or au revoir?
In the hot seat
Is the best automotive job in the world actually in miniature scale? Hot Wheels' design boss assures STEPHEN DOBIE it is
Correcting the record
Autocar invented the road test back in 1928 - or did we? KEITH JONES trawls the past to find the true starting point
Road test rebooted
As the Autocar road test forges into its second century, its brief is expanding and it's returning to a familiar place. MATT SAUNDERS explains
Cyber attack
MG is back on the international stage and now trying to return to its sports car roots. MATT SAUNDERS sees if the Cyberster EV can match up to a rival from the present and a relation from the past
KIA PICANTO
As rivals fall by the wayside, Kia's popular city car gets a makeover
MASERATI GRANTURISMO
Latest coupé in a long line of Maserati GT cars hits the UK with V6 power
PORSCHE CAYENNE GTS COUPE
New V8 model gets all the goodies
TOYOTA PRIUS
Back by popular demand with a cool new look and greater driver appeal
