Italian government faces criticism over Stellantis name change
Recent actions by the Italian government resemble a headless chicken. After irritating the Stellantis corporation and forcing a name change for the Milano/Junior model, the Italians are now considering handing over the Autobianchi and Innocenti brands to the Chinese.
The Italian government is trying to raise car production to one million units per year but is doing everything to discourage large corporations. The decline in production is partly due to Stellantis' policy. For example, with Fiat, Stellantis misjudged the interest in the electric "500" model, plans to produce the new Panda in Serbia, and Alfa Romeo's return to the top is still delayed.
The Italian government also added fuel to the fire by forcing Stellantis to change the new model's name from Milano to Junior. Why? The car is not produced in Milan and could mislead customers who value Italian culture.
Now, as reported by the title "Il Sole 24," thanks to a law introduced in December 2023, the Italian government can take over brands not used for at least five years. The newspaper reports that two historic brands with completely different graphics have already been registered. They are Autobianchi and Innocenti.
Innocenti produced the Italian version of the British Mini in the '60s and '70s. Fiat absorbed the brand. Autobianchi was a Fiat division that produced small models like the A112 or Y10.
Handing over the brands to the Chinese would be intended to spur investments and production in Italy. Stellantis representatives indicated they are aware of the media reports but have not received an official statement from the Italian government.
