Alexandre
Alfa Romeo has decided to change the name of its new model from "Milano" to "Junior. This change, although not compulsory, was motivated by reasons of serenity and to avoid any controversy surrounding the use of Italian geographical names, particularly when production is not based in Italy. This decision raises a pertinent question: why don't the Fiat 500 and 600 models, also produced outside Italy, suffer the same fate?
To understand this distinction, it is essential to the notion of "Italian sounding". This term refers to the use of names, images or symbols evoking Italy to promote products that are not necessarily made in the country. This has often been a subject of debate in Italy, where the government tries to protect the authenticity and origin of Italian products.
In the case of Alfa Romeo Milano, the choice of name was initially a tribute to the city where the brand was founded in 1910. However, as production of the vehicle was scheduled to take place in PolandThis has raised concerns about the impact of name choice on the perception of product authenticity. Indeed, thehe Minister for Made in Italy had pointed out that using the name "Milano" was against the law. because of these implications.
On the other hand, for the Fiat 500 and 600, the situation is different. Although these models feature Italian flags on their bodywork and are also produced in Poland, their names do not refer directly to Italian geographical locations. The Fiat 500 and Fiat 600, as models, are already well-established and internationally recognized without necessarily invoking an Italian geographical specificity, thus reducing the complications associated with "Italian sounding".
Wouldn't the Kia Sorento pose a problem? It's a good thing the Ford Capri, Opel Monza and other models are no longer in production.
We also recently learned that the last Giulietta was to have been called Milano, but that the team at the time had simply overlooked the fact that they were closing the Milan plant at the same time... The unions therefore spoke out against this provocation, and the name was changed at the last minute.
We've known that for a long time. Type "spyshot alfa romeo milano 2010" into your search engine.
Yes, indeed. The Giulietta was to be called Milano. And it was made in Italy.
I don't think the name change has made any difference to the career of the Giulietta, which has sold quite well.
Doesn't the Italian government mind driving an Audi Quattro!?
It's true that an Alfa Romeo Milano made in Tychy might seem out of place.
On the other hand, a Fiat 500 or 600 does not represent an Italian city. Designed in Italy, manufactured elsewhere.
You can't move brands from one country to another without being accountable. Italy is the land of great brands, in fashion, luxury goods, furniture and cars. All these brands have either been counterfeited or, in the case of cars, produced anywhere. It's probably the most counterfeited or poorly copied country in the world. Adesso Basta! If you want to sell made-in-Italy products, you have to do it in Italy! What's more, factories are technically redundant! in Italia! Dobiamo farci rispetare!
By the way, a Swiss watch can't say made in Switzerland if it's not produced in Switzerland. Alfa stands for: Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili. Milano e la capitale della Lombardia. Va bene cosi? They can call it Sloty if they want. You have to put yourself in the shoes of Italians who are seeing their automotive flagships eaten up. Under the pretext of saving our brands, we're relocating. We just want to kill our industry. At this rate, I'd have preferred VW to buy Alfa and invest in it like they did in Skoda, Seat and Cupra. They're making a mockery of the world. We're told that Peugeot engines and chassis are better for Alfa than Giorgio chassis and Italian engines? Ma va!! At least with VW we could have compared ourselves with Audis and we'd be selling 400k units a year... che disastro...
These electric cars are no longer automobiles, they're household appliances. Washing-machine motors are replacing twin shafts (and I'm not even talking about the Busso). So to go and stick a biscione badge where Zanussi or Indesit should be, is a crying shame.
For me, as the owner of several Alfa cars, it's a good thing that this Peugeot-like vehicle isn't named after an Italian town. The Alfa DNA is definitely dying a slow death.
For me, as the owner of several Alfa cars, it's a good thing that this Peugeot-like vehicle isn't named after an Italian town. The Alfa DNA is definitely dying a slow death.