SEAT - background & news

Founded in 1950, Seat is an acronym for Sociedad Española de Automóviles de Turismo, or in English Spanish Passenger Car Company.

Typical of Fiat Group in the pre-General Motors period, Fiat would seek out car-making niche companies around the world to widen its activity sphere.

Seat and Fiat established a factory in Barcelona with a large slice of the business given to the Franco government.

The union produced a range of cars that were all Fiat-related.

In 1986, Volkswagen became the majority shareholder in Seat, completely taking over Seat in 1990.

Ever since, Seat's had its headquarters at Martorell, on the outskirts of Barcelona.

Since Volkswagen’s takeover in 1990, SEAT has been increasing its presence in the motorsport world. SEAT's first serious attempt at a World Rally Championship (WRC) title was difficult on the small SEAT Ibiza.

Nevertheless, the car allowed the company to start building its rallying experience. An upgraded 2-litre model succeeded three times in the 2L World Champion, proving its maker had accumulated enough experience, and budgets, to take a shot at the reign category, the World Rally Car class of rallying cars. But the results since have not been as good as expected.

In 2003, SEAT announced a one-make championship for the new SEAT León Cupra R, the SEAT Cupra Challenge.

Since 2005, the company has participated in the World Touring Car Championship. SEAT utilised Audi's diesel knowledge in touring cars, when they became the first team to run a TDI in the WTCC.

SEAT vehicles are known to be very popular and affordable, much cheaper than its German competitors.

They also have a good level of equipment specifically the usage of Volkswagen engines, like the very performing TDI engines. The Ibiza is the most famous model and available in two different bodystyle.

It is followed by the Altea MPV that is available in three versions. Alhambra, Toledo, Leon and the brand new Exoe complete Seat’s range.

GREEN CREDENTIALS

Seat’s factories use an environmental management system known as EMAS II – this monitors and advises on eco-friendly practices.

They have a general environmental policy to reduce carbon emissions and fuel consumption by using lighter materials and improving the aerodynamics of its cars.

Seat is part of the VW group and therefore its environmental policy and future developments are shared with Volkswagen.