The tension between Italy and Stellantis is getting worse with Alfa Romeo’s new SUV

Stellantis created a political conflict with Alfa Romeo’s Milano. And this is not the first time that this tension has arisen in Italy.

Relationships between Star and Italian government not about to settle down. last January, Georgia Meloni, the president of the council has already attacked the group, accusing it of favoring the economic interests of France. Worried about the future of Italian industry, he openly asked Stellantis to transfer part of his production to Italy.
The Italian government already has a dim view of switching from Fiat and Alfa Romeo to Stellantis. The tension only increased when Alfa Romeo presented its new SUV, of Milan. The problem? The Italian brand has decided to produce this car in factories in Tychy, Poland. An action that seems unacceptable by the Italian Minister of Economy, Adolfo Urso.

The Italian government is attacking Stellantis after the official presentation of the Milano, Alfa Romeo’s new SUV.

The Italian government does not appreciate that a local manufacturer wants to transfer part of its production to Poland. While the relationship between Giorgia Meloni and Stellantis is already not in good shape, the announcement of the Alfa Romeo Milano SUV had the effect of a bombshell in Italy. Adolfo Urso, the Italian Minister of Economy, opposed the production of this car in Poland.
For this politician, the biggest thing is the fact that the name “Milan” is associated with a product that is not not made in Italy. However, since 2003, Italian law has banned the advertising of a product made abroad as originating in Italy. This law was created as a protective measure “Made in Italy”which the Italian government and companies have been seeking to promote for several years.
If this text is aimed at the agri-food sector, it now applies to the automotive industry. For Alfa Romeo, the challenges of the government of Meloni in the name of Milano SUV are not not good news. In fact, this is the first time for this manufacturer to produce its cars outside of Italy. In terms of public image, the reaction of the Minister of Economy cannot improve the reputation of the brand.

The Italian manufacturer was forced to change the name of its SUV

In turn, Carlos Tavares he tried to defend the Alfa Romeo project by arguing that the Milano was designed in Italy and by Italians. This argument did not convince the Italian government. So the manufacturer had to decide to change the name of its new car, which is now called Junior. These reforms helped calm the conflict. But it probably did not stimulate the relationship between Stellantis and the Italian government.
So the new Alfa Romeo car doesn’t start in good shape. The transfer of Junior’s production – formerly Milano – is however still unique. New styles of Stelvio, Stelvio Quadrifoglio and Giulia it will also be released in Italy, and therefore should not be the cause of other scandals.