Alfa Romeo backtracks: The new compact will not be called the Milano

After conflicts with the government, new Alfa Romeo Milan change name: the first sports compact car from Biscione will be called Junior.

“Although the Milano name meets all legal requirements, and considering that there are bigger issues than the new car name, Alfa Romeo has decided to give it the Junior name, to promote stability,” he said. Jean-Philippe LearnedCEO of the brand, confirming the production of the new Stelvio in Cassino in 2025 and the new Giulia in 2026, without yet deciding on the 2027 models “Caution is important, and we will plan according to the competition and customer needs. This applies to all cars produced in Italy,” he emphasized.

Minister of Trade and Made in Italy, Adolfo Urso, said he was satisfied with the decision, after criticizing the choice to produce a new Alfa Romeo model under the name Milano in Poland. “This is good news, which increases the functionality and exclusivity of Made in Italy,” he commented. Lucio Malan, president of the Fratelli d’Italia senators, described the appointment as “a victory for Meloni’s government”.

For Learnato, “the case is closed”: “We will not take legal action, we have work to do. The name will be changed in all markets where the car is sold. Our goal is to do business,” he explained.

The new name Junior is a tribute to the past. “It was one of the public’s favourites, as well as Milan”, emphasized Imparto. “We are aware that this period will remain in the history of the brand. It is a big responsibility but also an exciting time. As a team, we choose to put our passion in the service of the brand, giving priority to the product and the customers. We decide to change in order to preserve the positive feelings that our products generate, avoid arguments.”