About Seat
Seat is Spain’s only car manufacturer and is now a wholly owned subsidiary the Volkswagen Audi group. Founded in 1950 it originally had ties with the Italian Company Fiat and for a number of years reproduced their models under license, or even rebadged them with the Seat insignia. The loose partnership with Fiat continued until a dispute over re-financing in 1980 saw the two companies go their separate ways in 1981, ending a profitable relationship for both companies.
The parting of the ways for Seat was perhaps in many people’s opinion not a bad thing as Volkswagen looked at this as an opportunity to expand their operations beyond Germany into Spain and in 1982 Seat began to manufacture some Volkswagen models under licence. In 1990 Volkswagen acquired the complete shareholding of the company making Seat the first non-German subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group.
From its early days Seat was involved in motorsport and the benefits from this involvement can be seen in many models produced by the company. Much of the involvement was down to the Volkswagen parent’s plan on focusing the Seat brand as 'sporty' in order to appeal particularly to the younger generation of drivers. The result of this effort has been rewarded through Seat's most prestigious titles in FIA championships, three conquests with the Seat Ibiza
Today Seat manufactures a range of cars which are affordable and as you would expect with the Volkswagen association, thoroughly dependable. The Alhambra is born of a relationship with Ford and Volkswagen and is a great MPV for families on a budget. The Altea is described by Seat as a multi sports vehicle or MSV and it could be said that the model is between a sporty hatch and MPV, but whichever, it is a great family car with a smart appearance. The sister model, the Altea Freetrack is a family off roader which at a time when 4x4 cars are becoming more popular fits nicely into the range. Undoubtedly the most popular car in the Seat stable is the Ibiza. This model is offered in 3 or 5 door coupes estate versions, is a sporty coupe with a variety of engines and interior packs. The Ibiza is eye catching, economical to run with good handling and well appointed. The Leon is a fabulous looking car and is described as the perfect car for the family. With the acknowledged reliability of Seat, this is a favourite with companies and leasing agents.
As part of the Volkswagen group Seat’s mission is in accord with that of its parent being very proud of their heritage in building quality motor vehicles.
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