SEAT Cars to complete a huge building to house upwards of 119,00 boxes of parts

Pioneering company in Industry 4.0

• The new 43.7 metre tall building will be able to process 119,000 boxes of parts and components
• Work on the new facility will conclude in the last quarter of 2018

SEAT continues with its commitment to making the Martorell factory a benchmark of Industry 4.0 with the construction of a new, automated logistics centre, providing storage for parts and components and equipped with smart technology to make its operation completely automated. With a total capacity for 119,000 boxes and a maximum height of 43.7 metres, it will be the tallest logistics warehouse in Spain. 

 Construction work on this facility, which will become the pillar of SEAT’s Logistics Centre at the Martorell factory, is scheduled to conclude in the last quarter of 2018.

According to SEAT Vice-President for Production Dr. Andreas Tostmann, “the creation of this wholly automated logistics centre once again demonstrates that SEAT is a benchmark company in every area of Industry 4.0”. “With this project we are taking a qualitative leap forward in our service capacity and our vision of achieving logistics management excellence by increasing efficiency in the manufacturing process of our vehicles”, he added. 

SEAT’s new warehouse will have a total surface area of 5,700 m2 divided into two facilities. In the first one, with a height of 43.7 metres, up to 500 containers will be shifted every hour. It will have a capacity for 24,000 containers stored in seven aisles. The second, at 21 metres high, will feature five aisles for storing more than 95,000 boxes, where 1,100 will get shifted every hour. 

This new facility represents another breakthrough in the logistics processes at the Martorell factory, which in recent months have received several awards. Just recently, SEAT won the Manufacturing Excellence 2017 award in the category of Logistics and Logistics Network Management. 

The judging panel of this award, which is considered one of the major events in the industrial sector, was particularly impressed by the factory’s excellent performance in supplier management and internal logistics. Likewise, last June the Barcelona International Logistics Exhibition recognised SEAT for the efficiency and technological innovation of the SEAT Easy Smart Logistics project.

Professional Driver magazine’s Car of the Year awards the SEAT Alhambra MPV of the year.

Not unaccustomed to hauling in the odd award, SEAT’s range-topping Alhambra has added to its ever-growing trophy cabinet with its latest trophy as MPV of the Year at Professional Driver magazine’s Car of the Year awards.

Facing up to stiff competition, the Barcelona-based brand’s ultra-practical and stylish people-mover, in SE Lux 2.0 TDI guise, was judged to be the best seven-seater MPV for Private Hire operators.

Mark Bursa, Editor of Professional Driver Magazine, said: “Private Hire operators still need full-size people-movers, and the Alhambra really fits the bill. 

Facelifted last year with new sat nav, lights and Euro 6 engines, it has always been a potent product. It’s a genuine seven-seater, with ease of access via sliding doors, not to mention low running costs.”

Commenting on the win, Steve Mirfin, Product Manager, Alhambra, SEAT UK, said: “The Alhambra was developed with comfort and practicality in mind. Few MPVs manage to offer the space, design and running costs that Private Hire operators want; the Alhambra excels in all of them, and this award is confirmation of that.”

Professional Driver magazine, the monthly publication for the UK private hire, chauffeur and taxi industry tests its awards shortlisted models rigorously. 

The awards are judged by readers who are invited to a one-day test event to put the cars through their paces. Vital statistics such as boot space and sat nav are then put under the microscope, followed by the final hurdle, putting in a winning show on the whole-life running cost front.

SEAT opens it's first store in a major retail centre, with Lakeside being the first opening for the Spanish brand.

• SEAT rolls out this innovative store concept for the first time in the history of the company
• The SEAT Store can be found in the Lakeside shopping centre
• The project enables customers to buy a car and take delivery in just seven days

SEAT has rolled out its first SEAT Store, an innovative concept conveniently located in the Lakeside shopping centre (London). This new project is part of a global strategy aimed at giving customers greater access to the company and making their lives easier. 

With the SEAT Store and the recent launch of the SEAT Live Store, the brand’s first virtual showroom, the company is adapting to new consumer trends and shopping habits.

According to Ferran Jover, Global Dealer Network Development manager at SEAT, 

“we want to be even closer to our customers, anticipate their demands and provide them with a unique, easy, digital experience from the moment they think about buying a car”. 

“The United Kingdom is our third largest market and with over 47,200 vehicles sold in 2015, it accounts for 12% of company sales. Positioning ourselves in Lakeside means we can increase brand visibility as we can be seen by the more than 26 million visitors the shopping centre receives annually”, added Jover.

What the SEAT Store offers

The new SEAT Store, which has been launched in collaboration with British dealer Group 1 Automotive, features 150 m2 of floor space to display three brand models – Mii, Ibiza and Leon. The SEAT Ateca will also shortly be available following its upcoming launch on the British market.

Right now, visitors to the fully functioning Lakeside SEAT Store can perform a digital search of the model that best suits their needs, configure it online, calculate their financing needs and arrange a test drive on the spot or for a future date. The Store also comes complete with an outdoor Experience Centre that houses an additional 15 SEAT models to be pored over and test driven.

Further innovations offered by the new facilities include test drives that users can take unaccompanied and quick delivery of the car they purchase, guaranteed in seven days from the time of order. A team of 13 SEAT Experts, highly trained on product knowledge in Barcelona, are on hand to deal with any queries customers and visitors may have.

SEAT Store, also online

The SEAT Store in the Lakeside shopping centre also features its own website. Customers and visitors towww.seat-store.co.uk/Lakeside can obtain a personal quotation, request financing, reserve a car online and arrange a test drive, as well as receive a part-exchange valuation for their current car, all from the convenience of their smartphone, tablet or computer.

SEAT is the only company that designs, develops, manufactures and markets cars in Spain. 

A member of the Volkswagen Group, the multinational has its headquarters in Martorell (Barcelona), exporting more than 80% of its vehicles, and is present in over 75 countries. In 2015, SEAT’s turnover amounted to over 8.3 billion euros, the highest in its history, and the company achieved worldwide sales of more than 400,000 units for the first time since 2007.

SEAT Group employs more than 14,000 professionals at its three production centres – Barcelona, El Prat de Llobregat and Martorell, where it manufactures the highly successful Ibiza and Leon. Additionally, the company produces the Ateca and the Toledo in the Czech Republic, the Alhambra in Portugal and the Mii in Slovakia. 

The multinational has a Technical Centre, which operates as a knowledge hub that brings together 1,000 engineers who are focussed on developing innovation for Spain’s largest industrial investor in R&D. SEAT already features the latest connectivity technology in its vehicle range and is currently engaged in the company’s global digitisation process to promote the mobility of the future.

AUTO EXPRESS AWARDS - The SEAT Ateca takes best crossover title along with four other SEAT Models taking awards.

• SEAT’s first SUV nets Best Crossover honour on its first appearance in the Auto Express New Car Awards and two months before it even hits UK showrooms
• Ateca leads SEAT’s strength-in-depth showing, with four other models in its range receiving Commended titles
• Judges acclaim the Ateca for its styling, performance, practicality and value-for-money
• Auto Express also delivers a five-star verdict in its first Ateca UK road test

The new SEAT Ateca has opened its honours account in style, claiming the Best Crossover title on its first appearance in the Auto Express New Car Awards.

SEAT’s first SUV signalled its quality by seeing off competition that included some of the best sellers in what has become a pivotal part of the market, including the Hyundai Tucson, Nissan Qashqai and  Renault Kadjar. 

The result puts down a valuable marker for the Ateca’s all-round appeal, as the model progresses towards its hotly anticipated arrival in UK showrooms in September.

Its success was part of a formidable across-the-board performance by SEAT in this year’s awards, with four other models posting Commended results too: Leon (previously a three-time winner) in the Compact Family Car class, Leon ST in Estate, Leon CUPRA 290 (another returning title-holder) for Hot Hatch and the new Alhambra for MPV.

Commenting on the Ateca’s success, Auto Express Editor Graham Hope said: “The Ateca has made a dramatic entry into the crossover class and is a particularly impressive first effort from SEAT. It offers everything that is great about the Leon in a superb-looking new package, and blends excellent performance with decent practicality and strong value for money. It’s a compelling new crossover option for buyers.”

The judges’ opinions follow hot on the heels of a top five-star rating for the Ateca in the first UK road test in the latest issue of the same magazine. In its detailed scrutiny of the 2.0 TDI 150 XCELLENCE 4Drive model, the magazine declared it “follows in the footsteps of the Leon and goes straight to the top of the class.”

Richard Harrison, SEAT UK Director, said: “This is a fantastic result for Ateca and adds to the great momentum that it’s developing as it nears showroom launch, including the 13,000 members of the British public who have already stated their interest in buying one. The award is testament to what an enticing all-round package Ateca is, as a desirable, high-tech, stylish and well-built SUV it is, in this ever burgeoning part of the market.”

TOWCAR OF THE YEAR AWARDS - SEAT takes the best MPV title at this years awards with the Alhambra.

• SEAT Alhambra named Best MPV in 2016 Tow Car Awards
• Judges praise the Alhambra for its practicality, power, stability and capacity to tow large family caravans
• Award bestowed on 2.0 TDI 184 PS SE Lux model with DSG dual-clutch transmission, part of the latest-generation Alhambra range introduced this spring
• 2.0 TDI 184 PS ideally suited to towing, mustering a maximum 380 Nm of torque from just 1,750 rpm
• New SE Lux specification tailored for modern family needs, with features such as power tailgate and rear side door operation, automatic wipers and headlights with High Beam Assist, satellite navigation with 3D mapping, rear seatback tables, underfloor storage, chrome roof rails and 12-way power-adjustable front seats all part of the standard specification
• Annual Tow Car Awards organised and presented by Practical Caravan, What Car? and the Camping and Caravanning Club magazine

The new SEAT Alhambra has pulled off another honour, being named Best MPV in the 2016 Tow Car Awards. It’s a first title for the latest generation of the seven-seat Alhambra, introduced this spring, sustaining its impressive reputation for being the best all-round proposition on the market – a status reflected in more than a dozen independent award titles in recent years.

Speaking for the judges, David Motton, Tow Car Editor of Practical Caravan magazine, declared: The SEAT Alhambra is a very good MPV and a very capable tow car. With its combination of a high kerb weight, powerful engine and an extremely flexible cabin, it is a worthy winner.

“As a tow car, stability is its stand-out feature. It’s reassuring at 60mph and untroubled at 70mph. Data we gathered from the AL-KO Active Trailer Control system backed up the impression of our drivers, this really is a very secure town car.”

The model tested for the award was the £35,190 2.0 TDI 184PS SE Lux with DSG dual-clutch transmission, a version which delivers a perfect all-round package of performance, comfort, safety and quality.

It has a top towing capacity of 2.2 tonnes, while its latest-generation TDI engine musters 380 Nm of torque, all the way from 1,750 to 3,000 rpm, giving strong and smooth performance and working with the hassle-free DSG gearbox to deliver the kind of relaxing drive that’s perfect for a long-distance trip, even when fully laden. Superb efficiency is reflected in official combined cycle fuel consumption of 53.3 mpg, with carbon dioxide emissions a modest 139 g/km, even though the powertrain has muscle enough to shift the Alhambra from rest to 62 mph in less than nine seconds.

The journey between caravan-hitch to caravan-pitch is made safe, comfortable and convenient in the high specification SE Lux, which includes family holiday-friendly features such as power-operated rear side doors and tailgate, chrome-finished roof rails, underfloor storage, rear seatback tables and a panoramic roof with opening front section. Satellite navigation with dynamic route guidance is included in the Media System Plus infotainment package, together with Bluetooth, DAB and integrated voice control. Up front the leather-upholstered sports-style seats are 12-way power-adjustable and the triple-zone climate control. Automatic headlight and windscreen wiper operation, reversing camera, triple-zone climate control and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror are featured, together with an impressive array of active and passive safety systems, including High Beam Assist, and SEAT’s Multi-Collision Braking and Tiredness Recognition systems.

Steve Catlin, SEAT UK’s Head of Sales Operations, said: “The Tow Car Award is a great accolade for the latest Alhambra and recognition for the way we’ve continued developing it to give customers the best possible all-round package. Not only does it have all the strength and stability required for effortless towing, it’s also ideally equipped to cater for families on the move and designed with the sporting flair that defines our brand.”

The Tow Car Awards, now in their tenth year, are organised and presented by Practical Caravan, What Car? and the Camping and Caravanning Club magazine.

SEAT celebrates the Alhambra's 20th Anniversary with a special edition.

• Attractive special edition for the anniversary of the successful MPV
• Unique design features, premium equipment
• Innovative technology package for comfort, safety, connectivity 

The most spacious and versatile vehicle in the SEAT line-up celebrates its anniversary with a special edition. The first-generation SEAT Alhambra was presented 20 years ago – and quickly developed to become a successful model for family, hobbies and leisure, as well as for business and fleet customers. 

Nowadays, the dynamic MPV for active people counts among its strengths maximum variability, state-of-the-art technologies and assistance systems, powerful and efficient drives and universal connectivity. Added to that – in true SEAT fashion – is exceptionally high quality and perfection combined with excellent value-for-money.

The new SEAT Alhambra 20th anniversary special edition unites unique design features with an extensive package of technologies. The edition is immediately recognisable by its 17-inch alloy wheels in high-gloss black, which are complemented perfectly by the xenon headlamps, the tinted side and rear windows and the large panorama glass sliding roof. 

The interior is defined by distinctive, dark Alcantara upholstery with stitching in light corn silk. Those seated in the first row of the Alhambra 20th anniversary edition benefit from sports seats with massage function.

The technology package is equally extensive. Keyless entry opens the door to one of the most innovative vehicles in this segment – and even the tailgate can be operated hands-free by foot gesture. 

Like the tailgate, the two sliding doors also open and close electrically. 

The comprehensive package of safety and assistance systems includes the Lane Assist lane-departure warning system, Blind Spot Detection, traffic sign recognition and the light assistant. Likewise on board is the SEAT navigation system with the optional Full Link smartphone connection for perfect connectivity.

SEAT is the only company that designs, develops, manufactures and markets cars in Spain. A member of the Volkswagen Group, the multinational has its headquarters in Martorell (Barcelona), exporting more than 80% of its vehicles, and is present in over 75 countries. In 2015 SEAT achieved worldwide sales of 400,000 units, the highest figure since 2007.

SEAT Group employs more than 14,000 professionals at its three production centres – Barcelona, El Prat de Llobregat and Martorell, where it manufactures the highly successful Ibiza and Leon. Additionally, the company produces the Alhambra in Portugal, the Mii in Slovakia and the Toledo in the Czech Republic. 

The multinational has a Technical Centre, which operates as a knowledge hub that brings together 1,000 engineers who are the driving force behind innovation for Spain’s largest industrial investor in R&D. In line with its declared commitment to environmental protection, SEAT undertakes and bases its activity on sustainability, namely the reduction of CO₂ emissions and energy efficiency.

GENEVA - SEAT launches all new SUV and celebrates the 20th Anniversary of the Alhambra MPV.

• New model, Ateca, to become the third pillar of the brand
• The company steps into a steadily growing sub-segment
• Brand sales worldwide grow in the first two months of 2016
• Alhambra celebrates the 20^th anniversary with a special edition  

SEAT has unveiled its first SUV at the Geneva Motor Show 2016. The new Ateca is a unique combination of distinctive design, dynamic driving fun, urban versatility and compelling utility. First-class connectivity, innovative assistance systems and highly efficient drives are among its technology highlights and make the Ateca one of the most innovative SUVs in the segment. 

Outstanding quality, precision production and very attractive value-for-money make it a true SEAT, and something that will make every day and every mile that little bit more enjoyable.

The new SEAT Ateca is named after a Spanish town to retain the tradition and to give true brand and authentic Latin flavour, character and personality. It has been 100% designed and developed in Barcelona. 

“The essential role of this car will be to help the brand take a further step forward in terms of image” says Luca de Meo, Chairman of the Executive Committee of SEAT, S.A. “Ateca will cover a steadily growing sub-segment in Western Europe in recent years.”

"The Ateca shows a clear evolution of SEAT’s characteristic design language and the Ateca also stands for emotion and functionality." says Dr.Matthias Rabe, Executive Vice President for Research and Development. 

"This car offers outstanding off-road capabilities and guarantees an exceptional driving experience in all kinds of conditions with perfect traction. The Ateca also includes innovative technology, for example in terms of lighting and connectivity."

The SEAT Ateca will be available before the summer in Germany and Spain and progressively after in other markets, including the UK in September. It will come with petrol and diesel engines ranging from 115 PS to 190 PS,  2WD and 4WD versions, and manual and DSG gearboxes. The extensive array of technology options extends from full-LED headlights to a broad portfolio of assistance systems, like an innovative Traffic Jam Assist and new Emergency Assist, to a package of latest-generation infotainment systems with eight-inch touchscreens and Full Link connectivity. Three trim levels offer colours and top-quality materials to suit every taste. 

Brand Sales

SEAT continues to post positive sales gains in the first two months of the year compared to the same period in 2015, as global sales to date got close to 1%. Luca de Meo also underlined that for the third consecutive year SEAT increased sales.

In 2015, brand deliveries exceeded 400,000 vehicles (400,037; +2.4%), and this figure accounts for an increase of 25% in the last three years since 2012, its best sales result since 2007. 

Alhambra 20^th Anniversary

The most spacious and versatile vehicle in the SEAT line-up celebrates its anniversary with a special edition. The first-generation SEAT Alhambra was presented 20 years ago – and quickly developed to become a successful model for family, hobbies and leisure, as well as for business and fleet customers. The new SEAT Alhambra 20^th anniversary special edition unites unique design features with an extensive package of technologies. The new addition is immediately recognisable through its 17-inch alloy wheels in high-gloss black, which are complemented perfectly by xenon headlamps, tinted side and rear windows and a large panoramic sunroof. The interior is defined by distinctive, dark Alcantara upholstery with stitching in light corn silk. Those seated in the first row of the Alhambra 20^th anniversary edition benefit from sports seats with massage function.

SEAT delivers growth in a large number of markets resulting in a a great year for the Spanish brand.

• Production in Martorell reaches its highest volume since 2001
• Luca de Meo – “The SUV is set to become the brand’s third major pillar”
• SEAT Quality director Joaquín Serra – “Quality is essential for competitiveness”

SEAT closed 2015 with increased sales for the third consecutive year. Brand deliveries broke the barrier of 400,000 vehicles sold in a year (400,037; +2.4%) for the first time since 2007, amounting to a growth of 25% since 2012 (321,000 vehicles).

SEAT Executive Committee Chairman Luca de Meo delivered the annual results this morning on the occasion of the first edition of the 2016 “Encuentros SEAT” meeting, under the title “Quality: success factor of Spanish industry.” 

The increase in sales is a result of recovery in Spain (77,200 vehicles; +14.3%) and Italy (15,900; +22.1%), the fifth consecutive year of growth in Germany (87,800; +3.8%) and the successful Mexican market (24,100; +13.2%), which is the fourth largest for SEAT. 

In addition, the brand achieved its best-ever sales results in countries such as Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Turkey, Israel, Tunisia and Morocco.

Regarding its model line-up, sales of the Leon went up by 4.4% (total: 160,900 units) and was once again the brand’s top-selling car. Meanwhile, the Alhambra posted the highest increase (17.2%) and achieved the second best sales result in its history (27,000). The Ibiza also made progress, with a 2.4% growth, amounting to a total of 153,600 delivered vehicles.

The sales increase, in addition to the success of the Audi Q3, boosted production in Martorell by 7.8% (total: 477,077 cars), reaching the highest figure since 2001. The Martorell plant manufactures the most cars in Spain and has recorded its sixth consecutive year of growth. Between 2009 and 2015, production volume went up by 60%.

When speaking about 2016, Luca de Meo explained that “the highlight of the year will be the launch of the first compact SUV in the history of the company”, which is due to reach the dealerships in the middle of the year. It will be joined by three more new models in 2016 and 2017. 

“The SUV is set to become the brand’s third major pillar, together with the Leon and the Ibiza, and will enable us to cover the fastest growing segment in recent years”, said SEAT Executive Committee Chairman.

Quality – a success factor

Furthermore, in his presentation, SEAT Quality Director Joaquín Serra highlighted the opportunities for the brand to improve competitivity through excellence in quality. 

“Design, quality and cost efficiency are key elements. The Quality department is involved in the entire cycle of the automobile, from vehicle design and development to supplier component industrialization and in-house production, all the way to after-sales service. The challenge for the entire Quality team is to make SEAT a distinctive brand with industrial excellence.”