SEAT is a Spanish motor company owned by The Volkswagen Automotive Group.  It provides employment for around 12,700 people, and offers a modern range of cars of which the following are available in the UK: the Alhambra, Altea, Altea XL, Ibiza, Leon and Toledo, all of which are imbued with strong, individual design and a sporty character.

The word SEAT derives from the original company name of Sociedad Española de Automóviles de Turismo, and should always be written in block capitals.  SEAT was founded on 9th May 1950, with production of its first vehicle, the 1400, beginning in 1953.  The 600 model, which was launched in 1957, put Spain on wheels, with sales hitting the one million mark by 1968.  Volkswagen purchased 51% of the company’s shares in 1986, before taking a 99.9% share in 1990.

SEAT’s production is concentrated at the ultra-modern Martorell plant, which is located near Barcelona.  The company also has a substantial research and development facility, called the Martorell Technical Centre, where around 1,250 highly qualified staff work.  No other car manufacturer based in Spain has the capacity to design, develop and produce its own vehicles in the country