When an automobile moves in a reverse direction opposite to an expected driving direction according to the current setting of a gearshift position SP, the automobile of the invention sets an adjustment torque Ta corresponding to a measured road surface gradient .theta. as a required torque to converge the vehicle speed of the automobile with only a driver riding thereon in the reverse direction (that is, in a slide-down direction) to a preset level of vehicle speed (step S200). The automobile then compares the setting of the adjustment torque Ta with a creep torque Tc, which is set in a vehicle driving state within an allowable creep torque output range (step S150), and outputs the greater torque as a motor torque Tm from a motor (steps S210 and S220). This arrangement effectively regulates the vehicle speed of the automobile moving in the reverse direction opposite to the expected driving direction to the preset level of vehicle speed.