A PROUD HISTORY OF EMOTION AND INNOVATION

In 2012 we begin a new chapter in our company’s proud history: ENJOYNEERING. The place where emotion meets technology and the word that ushers in a new era of dynamic, young-spirited and design-driven cars.

The year starts with the introduction of the next generation of a Spanish icon. The freshly updated SEAT Ibiza represents the latest incarnation of this legendary car, first presented at the Paris Motor Show in 1984.

Throughout its life, the Ibiza has represented the youthful, dynamic spirit that has traditionally reflected our core values, as well as benchmark quality and driving enjoyment.

Meanwhile, we continue to expand our successful Mii line-up with the release of a new 5-door model. The additional rear doors turn the super-compact SEAT into a unique combination of exceptional driving fun, sporty design and outstanding functionality. At the same time, the Mii remains true to our principles – making it a highly affordable pleasure with excellent value-for money and low cost-of-ownership.

In March, at the Geneva Motor Show 2012 we present the next phase of our product offensive in the form of a close-to-production study: the SEAT Toledo Concept combines the proportions of a classic saloon car with a sporty, almost coupé-like design.

The next generation of the SEAT Toledo is an exceptional combination of emotion, outstanding design quality and rational usability. Its design language —with a powerful and solid stance, clear and precisely executed surfaces and lines, and with the new headlamp form—signal SEAT’s new design DNA.

2011 is a special year for SEAT, with the introduction of an exciting new car and a new stage in the evolution of SEAT design and technology.

At the Frankfurt Motor Show, SEAT presents its new IBL Concept Car: a uniquely dynamic saloon with a stunning design that points the way to the next generation of SEAT cars. The international motoring event also hosts the presentation of the 4WD Alhambra, the family car ready for even the toughest driving conditions, and a new Exeo, which boasts new technology and an extensive range of developments to improve even further the driving experience of an already outstanding car.

The year culminates with the exciting launch of a new concept in urban mobility: the SEAT Mii. The Mii combines SEAT’s sporty Mediterranean design with the latest technology for city driving and a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating, all in a car of only 3,56 metres: perfect for modern-day urban spaces.

In 2010 SEAT celebrates its 60th anniversary in style. The presentation of the revolutionary SEAT IBE concept, a zero-emissions sports coupé for the electric age, points the way to an exciting future. This year also sees the development of greener engine technologies through our innovative new E-Ecomotive range. We also bring two stunning new cars on to the scene: a more spacious version of our popular Ibiza ST and a new SEAT Alhambra, an MPV packed with some surprising technology for all the family to enjoy. It‘s a great feeling to celebrate our 60th anniversary. And it‘s an even better feeling to know that we‘ve only just begun.

Come with us on a journey back in time: Zoom yourself from what SEAT is now – one of the youngest, sportiest and most design-driven car manufacturers worldwide – to our beginning as Spain‘s premier family car maker. Learn about years of challenges, brave changes, technological breakthroughs and ongoing successes.

2009

Continuing our search to further build sustainable drivability, 2009 sees the presentation of the Leon Twin Drive Ecomotive project, the first prototype of a hybrid vehicle, and a car that sets a new standard in eco-friendly performance. The Geneva Motor Show in March provides the backdrop for the presentation of the Exeo ST and the Leon Ecomotive Concept prototype, two cars that represent SEAT‘s innovative approach to car making. To mark the 25th anniversary of the SEAT Ibiza, the brand exhibits the "25th Anniversary" version of its iconic model.

At the Barcelona Motor Show the Ibiza Bocanegra, the new Leon Cupra and Ibiza FR, as well as the definitive version of the Exeo ST, are also unveiled to public acclaim. June sees the ceremonial laying of the foundation stone of the bodywork workshop for the new Audi Q3. A project that lays the foundation for the future of SEAT innovation.

In September 2009 James Muir is appointed Chairman of the Board of Management of SEAT. Mr Muir brings his long experience working in the automobile industry to open a new chapter in the history of the Spanish brand.

That same month, the Frankfurt Motor Show showcases the IBZ concept car, a foretaste of the Ibiza family version, as well as the Ecomotive version of the Altea, Altea XL and the Leon. Further examples of our forward-looking vision of the future of engine technology.

In sport, SEAT once again proclaims itself world champion of the WTCC for both Manufacturers‘ and Drivers‘ categories, with Gabriele Tarquini at the wheel. SEAT sponsors the UEFA Europa League, Europe‘s biggest football tournament.

2008

In 2008 we launch the new SEAT Ibiza as the indisputable flagship vehicle for our brand – and roll out the Ibiza SC, the Ibiza CUPRA and Ibiza Ecomotive. The new SEAT Ibiza gains the maximum of 5 Stars in the Euro NCAP Safety Tests, making it one of the safest cars on the market.

The launch campaign is supported by the European tour of three "Jewel Transport Trucks"– taking the new SEAT Ibiza around 20 major cities from April onwards for the public to get a first impression of the new superstar in our collection. We present the Exeo, the first SEAT limousine in the B segment, in its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show.

SEAT Sport makes history by winning the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) manufacturers‘ title for the first time with a fleet of SEAT Leon TDI® WTCCs. The French SEAT pilot Yvan Muller takes the drivers‘ title after the final race of the season in China.

2007

In 2007 we launch SEAT Service, ensuring increasingly streamlined, globally standardised vehicle maintenance and repairs. That same year, SEAT sponsors Shakira‘s "Oral Fixation" European tour, releasing the Leon CUPRA "Pies Descalzos" edition presented at the Geneva Motor Show and donated to the Colombian superstar‘s charity foundation "Pies Descalzos".

The Prototype Centre of Development (PCD) is inaugurated – a specialised department merging the virtual and physical stages of prototype development. The SEAT Design Centre (SDC) is opened in Martorell: one of the most modern and functional design centres in the world and the foundation for SEAT‘s ambitious, design-driven future.

In September, our brand causes a stir at Frankfurt‘s IAA Motor Show with its highly original sports utility concept car SEAT Tribu and one of the most environmentally friendly cars on the market – the first SEAT Ibiza Ecomotive. That same year we also showcase the AlteaFreetrack, our first 4x4 vehicle fusing a sense of adventure with cool urban chic.

2006

We open our new head office centralising all our activity in Martorell near Barcelona in 2006, and Erich Schmitt becomes the new President of SEAT.

In May, the new SEAT Leon FR is unveiled at the Madrid Motor Show. In July, the SEAT Leon CUPRA is presented at the London Motor Show: It is the most powerful car of the SEAT brand to date. In September, the SEAT Altea XL is uncovered at the International Motor Show in Paris: It is the most family-friendly model of our range.

2005

2005 is marked by the arrival of the new SEAT Leon, unveiled at the Barcelona Motor Show together with its race competition version, the SEAT Leon WTCC. The new Leon is an immediate success both for the many awards it received and the excellent market acceptance.

Frankfurt‘s IAA Motor Show witnesses the world premiere of the SEAT Altea FR prototype: It is the first of the new generation of SEAT vehicles to adopt the FR concept. Meanwhile, the SEAT Altea 2 litre 170 hp TDI® prototype becomes the most powerful diesel engine car in the history of SEAT.

SEAT Sport finishes a brilliant season in the WTCC (World Touring Car Championship). It comes third, and gains its first WTCC trophy with the Leon WTCC only two months after entering the world championship.