Written by SEAT cars
SEAT cars have been built in Spain since 1953, and the brand is best known for the Ibiza, the Leon and its sporty offshoot Cupra. This guide covers the current SEAT and Cupra lineup, as well as the company’s history and ownership, its biggest achievements and its racing history.
SEAT cars at a Glance
Founded 9 May 1950 As a Spanish state company with Fiat
Name Sociedad Española de Automóviles de Turismo Spanish Passenger Car Company
Headquarters Martorell Near Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Owner Volkswagen Group Majority since 1986; 100% since 1990
Sales 2025 586,300 SEAT and Cupra combined; an all-time record
Leadership Markus Haupt CEO of SEAT and Cupra since 2025
SEAT cars Model Lineup
SEAT cars are now a small range of gas-powered models, so the list below also includes Cupra, the company’s faster-growing sister brand. The Ibiza and Arona were updated for 2026, while the Ateca and Tarraco have been dropped. Meanwhile, Cupra sells electric and plug-in hybrid models, including the new Raval built in Martorell.
SEAT (3)
Small car
SEAT Ibiza
Gas Hatchback
The Ibiza has been sold since 1984, and the fifth generation was updated for 2026 with a new grille and slimmer lights. It was SEAT’s best-seller in 2025, with 94,800 sold.
Small crossover
SEAT Arona
Gas Crossover
The Arona is a small crossover based on the Ibiza, so it was also updated for 2026. In addition, mild-hybrid versions are planned.
Compact car
SEAT Leon
Gas Plug-in hybrid Hatch & wagon
The fourth-generation Leon arrived in 2020 as a hatchback and Sportstourer wagon. It is built in Martorell, while a Cupra Leon is also sold.
Cupra (5)
Crossover
Cupra Formentor
Gas Plug-in hybrid
When it arrived in 2020, the Formentor was the first model designed only for Cupra. It was the company’s best-selling model in 2025, with 104,400 sold.
Electric hatchback
Cupra Born
Electric
The Born is Cupra’s first fully electric car, and it was launched in 2021. It is also built in Zwickau, Germany, on the same platform as the Volkswagen ID.3.
Compact SUV
Cupra Terramar
Gas Plug-in hybrid
When the Terramar arrived in 2024, it effectively replaced the SEAT Tarraco. It is built in Győr, Hungary, alongside Audi models.
Electric coupe-SUV
Cupra Tavascan
Electric
The Tavascan is an electric coupe-style SUV, and it is built in Anhui, China, by a Volkswagen joint venture.
Small electric car
Cupra Raval
Electric New for 2026
The Raval is a small electric hatchback, and it premiered in April 2026. Since June 2026 it has been built in Martorell, as the first fully electric car made there.
What Are SEAT cars?
SEAT cars come from Sociedad Española de Automóviles de Turismo, a company founded on 9 May 1950 by Spain’s state industry agency, Spanish banks and Fiat. Its first car, the SEAT 1400, was built in Barcelona from 1953, and then the tiny SEAT 600 put Spain on wheels from 1957.
For three decades SEAT built cars based on Fiat designs, until the partnership ended in 1982. As a result, SEAT developed the Ibiza of 1984 with help from Italdesign, Karmann and Porsche. Then Volkswagen bought a majority in 1986 and full control in 1990, so SEAT became its first wholly owned brand outside Germany.
Today the company sells SEAT cars as well as Cupra, which became a separate brand in 2018. In 2025 it delivered a record 586,300 vehicles, while Cupra now outsells SEAT. However, SEAT’s CEO has said the brand will keep its popular gas models, and its future will be reviewed around 2029 to 2030.
SEAT cars History
SEAT cars grew from a state-backed Fiat partner into a Volkswagen Group brand with its own sporty offshoot.
- 1950 SEAT is founded on 9 May as a Spanish state company with Fiat.
- 1953 The first SEAT 1400 is built in Barcelona on 13 November.
- 1957 Production of the SEAT 600 begins, so ordinary Spanish families can afford a car.
- 1982 After more than 30 years, the partnership with Fiat ends.
- 1984 The first Ibiza goes on sale, designed by Giugiaro with a Porsche-developed engine.
- 1986 Two years later, Volkswagen buys a 51% stake.
- 1990 Finally, Volkswagen takes full ownership of SEAT.
- 1992 Meanwhile, SEAT sponsors the Barcelona Olympic Games.
- 1993 Then the Martorell factory opens on 22 February.
- 1996 The Cupra name appears, while the Ibiza Kit Car wins its first world title.
- 2008 The Leon TDI wins the World Touring Car Championship, and then it wins again in 2009.
- 2018 Later, Cupra becomes a separate brand.
- 2021 Then the Cupra Born, the first electric model, arrives.
- 2024 The Cupra Terramar arrives, while the SEAT Tarraco ends production.
- 2025 SEAT celebrates 75 years with record deliveries of 586,300.
- 2026 Martorell starts building its first electric cars, the Cupra Raval and the Volkswagen ID. Polo.
Iconic SEAT Models
These five cars shaped the story of SEAT cars, from its first sedan to the hot hatchbacks that started Cupra.
1953–1963
SEAT 1400
First SEAT Fiat-based
The 1400 was the first SEAT, and it was built under license from Fiat. By 1954, 93% of its parts were made in Spain, and 82,894 were built in total.
1957–1973
SEAT 600
People’s car Fiat-based
Because it was so cheap, the tiny 600 put Spain on wheels, and 797,319 were built. By 1971 one in four cars on Spanish roads was a 600.
1991–2019
SEAT Toledo
Family car VW era
The Toledo was one of the first SEATs developed under Volkswagen ownership, and it arrived just before SEAT sponsored the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. It ran for four generations until 2019.
2002–2005
SEAT Leon Cupra R
Hot hatch Cupra
At the time, the Leon Cupra R was one of SEAT’s fastest hot hatchbacks. As a result, it helped build the Cupra name that later became its own brand.
2016–2026
SEAT Ateca
First SUV Crossover
The Ateca was SEAT’s first SUV, and it was launched in 2016. However, it was removed from sale in several markets in 2026, after a ten-year run.
Who Owns SEAT cars?
SEAT S.A. is wholly owned by the Volkswagen Group, which bought a majority in 1986 and the rest in 1990. The company runs two brands, SEAT and Cupra, from its base in Martorell. When AutoGathering has a page for a brand, its name below links to that page.
Parent company Volkswagen Group Wolfsburg, Germany · 100% owner since 1990
This page SEAT S.A. Martorell, Spain · SEAT and Cupra brands
Brand Cupra Performance and electric brand, separate since 2018
Plant Martorell Main factory, opened in 1993
Plant Zona Franca, Barcelona Makes body panels and parts
Sub-brand SEAT MÓ Electric scooters; production stopped in 2024
Sister brands
SEAT shares platforms, engines and factories with other Volkswagen Group brands, so many of its cars have close relatives.
- Volkswagen (parent brand; the ID. Polo is built in Martorell)
- Skoda (shares most small and compact platforms)
- Audi (the A1 is built in Martorell)
In addition, Martorell builds four electric models from three brands on a shared small-car platform, after a €3 billion investment.
Former partners
- Fiat (1950–1982) Fiat helped found SEAT and licensed most of its early models, until the partnership ended in 1982.
- Spanish state (1950–1986) The state industry agency INI was the majority owner until Volkswagen bought in.
SEAT cars Accomplishments
The record of SEAT cars rests on bringing cars to Spain, the long-running Ibiza and a string of rally and touring car titles.
797,319
SEAT 600s built
For the first time, the 600 made car ownership possible for millions of Spanish families.
6 million
Ibizas sold
More than 6 million Ibizas were sold over five generations, according to SEAT.
586,300
Cars delivered in 2025
It was an all-time record for SEAT and Cupra combined, beating 2019.
3
Two-liter world rally titles
In addition, the Ibiza Kit Car won the FIA two-liter world title in 1996, 1997 and 1998.
2
WTCC titles
The Leon TDI won both the drivers’ and manufacturers’ titles in 2008 and again in 2009.
1 million
Cupras sold
Cupra passed 1 million cars sold in 2025, only seven years after becoming a brand.
1993
Martorell factory
Since opening, the Martorell plant has grown, so it now builds the Ibiza, Arona, Leon and Raval, as well as cars for Audi and Volkswagen.
2
Pure ETCR titles
Cupra won the electric touring car series in 2021 and 2022.
SEAT Racing History
SEAT cars have raced in rallying and touring cars for decades, through SEAT Sport and later Cupra Racing. The Ibiza won three world rally titles in the 1990s, while the Leon dominated world touring car racing in 2008 and 2009. In addition, Cupra has raced electric cars in Extreme E, Pure ETCR and Formula E.
Rallying, 1996–1998
Ibiza Kit Car
3 world titles Two-liter class
The Ibiza Kit Car won the FIA two-liter world rally title in its first year, 1996, and then again in 1997 and 1998. Its success also inspired the first Cupra road cars.
World Touring Car Championship
Leon TDI in the WTCC
2008 and 2009 titles Diesel
The diesel-powered Leon TDI won both world titles in 2008, when Yvan Muller became champion, and then again in 2009 with Gabriele Tarquini.
Talk SEAT With Other Owners
SEAT owners have plenty to share, whether it is a classic 600 or a new Cupra Formentor. Soon, AutoGathering will connect this page to a SEAT community space where owners and enthusiasts can compare models, share maintenance tips and plan meetups.
- Cupra performance
- Classic SEAT restoration
- Ibiza and Leon ownership
- Maintenance and repairs
- Electric Cupra ownership
- Buying used
- SEAT clubs and events
- Tuning and modifying
SEAT cars FAQ
Who owns SEAT?
SEAT is wholly owned by the Volkswagen Group. Volkswagen bought a majority in 1986 and then took full control in 1990.
What does SEAT stand for?
SEAT stands for Sociedad Española de Automóviles de Turismo, which means Spanish Passenger Car Company.
What is the difference between SEAT and Cupra?
SEAT is the mainstream brand, while Cupra is the sportier and more electric brand. Cupra began as a name for fast SEATs in 1996, and it became a separate brand in 2018.
Is SEAT being discontinued?
Not now. In 2026 SEAT’s CEO said the brand will keep its popular gas models, and its future will be reviewed around 2029 to 2030. However, there will be no affordable SEAT-badged electric car.
Where are SEAT cars made?
SEAT cars are built mainly in Martorell, near Barcelona, including the Ibiza, Arona and Leon. Cupra models are also built in Germany, Hungary and China.
Can you buy a SEAT in the US?
No. SEAT has never been sold in the US, although Cupra has said it plans to enter the US market by the end of the decade.
What is the best-selling SEAT?
The Ibiza was SEAT’s best-seller in 2025, with 94,800 sold, while the Cupra Formentor was the company’s best-selling model overall.
Did SEAT win world titles?
Yes. SEAT won three two-liter world rally titles from 1996 to 1998, and it won the World Touring Car Championship in 2008 and 2009.
Explore More Manufacturers
Compare SEAT cars with its sister brands and its biggest rivals.
Photo credits
- Header image: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- Facelifted fifth-generation SEAT Ibiza FR: © M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, cropped and resized.
- SEAT Arona small crossover: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- Fourth-generation SEAT Leon FR hatchback: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- Cupra Formentor crossover: Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- Cupra Born electric hatchback: © M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, cropped and resized.
- Cupra Terramar VZ SUV: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- Cupra Tavascan Endurance electric SUV: © M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, cropped and resized.
- Cupra Raval VZ electric hatchback: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- SEAT 1400, the first SEAT car: Jmcastano, Public domain, cropped and resized.
- SEAT 600 at Techno-Classica 2018 in Essen: Matti Blume, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- 2014 SEAT Toledo 1.6 TDI: Dennis Elzinga, CC BY 2.0, cropped and resized.
- Yellow 2003 SEAT Leon Cupra R in…: Carfanatic2019, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- 2017 SEAT Ateca Xcellence, the first SEAT…: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- SEAT Ibiza Kit Car rally car at…: Xavigivax, CC BY-SA 3.0, cropped and resized.
- SEAT Leon TDI WTCC touring car: Isabel Gomez, CC BY 3.0, cropped and resized.