ROMA – It is called “Future Fast Forward” and represents Seat’s new strategy presented at the 2021 budget conference. The objective of the ambitious plan is to lead the electrification of the automotive industry in Spain and the fulcrum of the project is linked to production of urban electric vehicles in the country, the first model of which will be launched in 2025. With this new electric model, the Martorell house intends to penetrate a segment of around 20-25,000 euros, considered strategic to make electric mobility effectively accessible for most of the population and thus achieve the objectives of the European “Green Deal”. At the moment it has not yet been announced in which plant the new electric city car will be produced and the Spanish company plans to announce it over the next few months. “Our ambition is to produce over 500,000 electric urban cars a year in Martorell, also for the Volkswagen group – said Seat president Wayne Griffiths – but we need a clear commitment from the European Commission”. It should be noted that Seat does not only aspire to produce electric vehicles, but intends to lead the development of the entire project for the Group. Griffiths also announced that Cupra will launch Tavascan, the brand’s second 100% electric model after Born, which will be launched on the market later this year. Based on the Meb platform of the Volkswagen group, it will be designed and developed in Barcelona and will arrive in the Old Continent and other international markets, as anticipated by Griffiths himself.
Furthermore, Cupra is expected to play an important role this year in increasing the company’s financial results by practically doubling its overall sales (27,400 units in 2020) as well as its turnover, which last year stood at around 900 million. of Euro. The Cupra mix will increase from 5 to 10% of the company’s total volumes. In addition, Cupra will have access to new markets and will also open its doors to the most electrified countries, while the landing of the brand in Australia is planned for 2022, a step considered strategic for a subsequent expansion in the Asia-Pacific region. “Australia is a young market, just as young is the Cupra brand – added Griffiths – Customers are looking for new brands, there is a high income from the middle class and it is a progressive company. We are confident that Cupra can be successful in this country ”. This year Formentor will be the key to doubling Cupra’s sales volume by representing 50% of the brand’s deliveries, half of which will be plug-in hybrid versions. Finally, Seat and Cupra are expanding their offer of electrified models with the introduction of the Phev versions of six cars such as Seat Leon, Leon Sportstourer and Tarraco, Cupra Leon, Leon Sportstourer and Formentor. In short, the Spanish brand’s electric advance is only just beginning. (mr)
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