Alfa Romeo Milano to be called Junior by Italian law

The new subcompact crossover Alfa Romeo unveiled last week as the Milano will be called the Junior when it goes on sale later this year.

Alfa Romeo announced the new name on Monday, citing an Italian law banning the use of the Milano name.

Italian law prohibits the use of the name of an Italian city on products manufactured in another country, in this case Poland. Rather than challenge this law, Alfa Romeo stated that it decided to change the name in the "spirit of promoting mutual understanding."

The original name Milano refers to Alfa Romeo's roots in Milan and recalls the Milano sedan sold in the United States in the 1980s. The name was chosen as the most popular option for the new crossover by a survey of Alfa Romeo fans, not Alfa Romeo staff. According to Alfa Romeo, the name Junior was also popular among fans.

Like Milan, the name Junior has appeared in Alfa Romeo's past; it was first used on Alfa Romeo's GT 1300 Junior, launched in 1966.

Regardless of the name, there are no plans to bring the crossover to the U.S. market. Elsewhere, it will serve as a new entry point for Alfa Romeo now that the Giulietta and Mito hatchbacks are gone.

Alfa Romeo is holding off on announcing details until the European market launch in the summer, but buyers will be able to choose between mild hybrid and fully electric powertrains depending on the market, and the crossover will be Alfa Romeo's first EV. two electric powertrains will be available: the Giulietta and the Mito, both with a single motor at the front, Both are powered by a single motor at the front. The more powerful one delivers 240 hp.

Alfa Romeo intends to offer an electric option on every car it launches in this decade. Next planned is a redesign of the Stelvio, scheduled for 2025. This will be followed by the redesign of the Giulia in 2026. Although not yet confirmed, a midsize SUV is expected to debut in 2027 as the last vehicle to join Alfa Romeo's main lineup.