Alfa Romeo in hot water over “illegal” Milano model name – report
A law banning "Italian-sounding" names on foreign products has Alfa Romeo in a difficult position, after it revealed its new Polish-built Milano SUV last week.
Just days after the 2024 Alfa Romeo Milano was unveiled, the Italian Government has proclaimed the name of the small SUV violates local laws.
According to a report from industry publication Automotive News Europe, Italy's Minister of Industry, Adolfo Urso, claims Alfa Romeo is in breach of Italian law by naming the vehicle the Milano – while manufacturing the car in Poland.
Alfa Romeo was founded in the Italian city of Milan in 1910.
"A car called Milano cannot be produced in Poland. This is forbidden by Italian law," the minister told media.
"This law stipulates that you cannot give indications that mislead consumers. So a car called Milano must be produced in Italy. Otherwise, it gives a misleading indication which is not allowed under Italian law."
In 2003, the Italian Government introduced legislation designed to weed out foreign products with "Italian-sounding" names.
The European Union announced this year it would begin enforcing the regulation across the bloc.
At the launch of the Milano last week, Carlos Tavares, the CEO of Stellantis – the parent company of Alfa Romeo – told media the decision to manufacture the new model in Poland cut €10,000 ($AU16,500) off its price.
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