SEAT Martorell ended 2019 with its highest production volume since 2000, with output totalling 500,005 cars. This figure is 5.4% higher than in 2018 (474,300) and consolidates Martorell as the factory that produces the most cars in Spain, Europe’s second largest car producer.
Line 1 in Martorell, where the Ibiza and the Arona are made, closed 2019 with a production of 264,854 vehicles, 14.5% more than in 2018 (231,213). Line 2, where the SEAT Leon is built, will begin production this year of three models: the fourth generation Leon in its SEAT and CUPRA versions, and the CUPRA Formentor. Until the start of production of these models, 153,864 vehicles were produced in 2019, slightly fewer than the previous year (159,486; -3.5%). Line 3 meanwhile, where the Audi A1 is produced, closed the year with 81,287 cars produced, 2.8% below the 83,601 vehicles made in 2018.
SEAT Vice-president for Production and Logistics Dr. Christian Vollmer highlighted that “Martorell is the heart of SEAT, one of the most modern and competitive factories in the European automotive industry and also one of the most important producers of cars.” Dr. Vollmer added that “2020 will be a historic year for Martorell as we are going to launch three new models – the SEAT Leon, the CUPRA Leon and the CUPRA Formentor – and start the electrification of the plant with the plug-in hybrid versions of the Leon family.”
Today, more than 7,900 employees work in the Martorell factory, both in production and in the offices, making around 2,300 cars a day, or one every 40 seconds. The Martorell plant is working at over 90% of its current maximum capacity.
In 2019, total SEAT vehicle production reached a new record, advancing by 12.1% to a volume of 592,019 cars (2018: 528,293). In addition to Martorell, SEAT also produced cars in five plants belonging to the Volkswagen Group.
In Kvasiny (Czech Republic), SEAT produced 98,370 units of the Ateca (+8.3%); 38,835 units of the Tarraco in Wolfsburg (Germany), compared to 2,660 in 2018 when production of this model began towards the end of the year; 23,021 units of the Alhambra in Palmela (Portugal) (+17.5%); 11,547 units of the Mii (-19.7%), which was halted mid-year, and of the new Mii electric beginning in November, in Bratislava (Slovakia); and finally, 1,506 units of the Toledo in Mladá Boleslav (Czech Republic), a vehicle that was discontinued in February 2019.
The company also produced the first 22 pre-series units of the new 100% electric SEAT el-Born at the German plant in Zwickau. This model will be presented in 2020 and will be the second Volkswagen Group vehicle to be built on the new MEB platform.
The SEAT el-Born is one of six electrified models in SEAT’s product offensive until early 2021, along with the Mii electric, the brand’s first 100% electric vehicle, which will reach dealers in the coming weeks; the new Leon, which will be unveiled on 28 January and feature a plug-in hybrid electric version (PHEV), and the Tarraco, which will also have a PHEV version. Furthermore, there will be two plug-in hybrid CUPRA models: the Leon and the Formentor