Following the announcement suggesting SEAT’s departure from car manufacturing to concentrate on scooters, the Spanish automaker has recently declared its intention to continue producing vehicles.
This revelation was embedded within SEAT’s operating profit press release, which disclosed plans to update models such as the Ibiza, Arona, Leon, and Ateca, omitting mention of the Tarraco.
SEAT’s CEO, Wayne Griffiths, expressed determination to restore the brand’s growth trajectory, hinting at forthcoming investments in both brand and model development. Griffiths also hinted at SEAT’s exploration of electric vehicle offerings, assuring stakeholders of exciting developments ahead.
The first among SEAT’s upcoming releases is the refreshed Leon, which is slated to be revealed in the coming months. Expected updates include design enhancements and technological advancements across hatchback and estate variants. Concurrently, Cupra is set to reveal its refreshed Leon alongside the Formentor. Details regarding the Ateca’s next facelift remain pending.
Subsequently, SEAT plans to introduce updated versions of the Ibiza and Arona, which are expected to debut next year. These revisions are anticipated to encompass typical styling enhancements alongside potential technology and safety upgrades, underscoring the brand’s commitment to continuous improvement.
Notably absent from the announcement is any mention of the Tarraco, SEAT’s flagship crossover. Despite sharing platforms with other models, the Tarraco’s future remains uncertain, with speculations suggesting a potential discontinuation even amidst the shift towards electric mobility.
In a separate development, SEAT’s performance brand, Cupra, is poised to enter the American market, initially targeting select states on the East and West coasts. Griffiths disclosed plans for Cupra’s expansion, with forthcoming models including a battery-electric Formentor variant and a larger crossover designed for efficiency, set to be locally assembled across VW Group facilities, including Mexico.