Volkswagen Group Expands Compact EV Production in Europe

Martorell, Spain - SEAT & CUPRA, both operate as wholly-owned subsidiaries under the global Volkswagen Group, has started making the CUPRA Raval and Volkswagen ID. Polo at its Martorell plant in Spain. This is an important step for Volkswagen Group’s electric vehicle plan. The company aims to make affordable electric cars for Europe through four new EV models from three brands, all produced in Spain. The launch event was attended by Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and senior Volkswagen, SEAT and CUPRA leaders.

Mr. Markus Haupt, CEO of SEAT & CUPRA, said “Today marks much more than the start of production of two cars. It is a milestone for SEAT & CUPRA and clear proof of what we can achieve through teamwork. With the CUPRA Raval and the Volkswagen ID. Polo, we are not only launching the production of two models, but we are demonstrating our ability to lead and shape the future of mobility. We have completed our transformation, investing more than €3 billion in Martorell and driving a profound cultural change to become an industrial powerhouse. And we’re proud to say that we’re ready to electrify Europe from Spain.”

The Electric Urban Car Family is a major project led by SEAT & CUPRA for Volkswagen Group’s Brand Group Core. Built on a shared platform, the project helps reduce production complexity and costs while bringing four different electric models to meet different customer needs. SEAT & CUPRA will continue supporting Volkswagen Group’s electrification strategy from Spain through the further development of the MEB21 platform.

Mr. Thomas Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG, Brand Group Core; CEO Volkswagen Brand and Head of the Supervisory Board of SEAT & CUPRA, said “The Electric Urban Car Family demonstrates how the Brand Group Core leverages synergies and fosters collaboration within the Group to deliver electric mobility at scale. The success of SEAT & CUPRA in leading a cross-brand project for the first time demonstrates the strength of our model: a shared platform that enhances competitiveness in the entry-level segment, delivering €600 million in cost savings, while realizing four clearly differentiated models. Together, these achievements create the foundation to democratize electric mobility across Europe.”

The launch of the CUPRA Raval and Volkswagen ID. Polo marks a major transformation for SEAT & CUPRA. With production now underway, the Martorell plant is ready to support future mobility by manufacturing electric, hybrid and efficient combustion vehicles.

Mr. Oliver Blume, CEO of the Volkswagen Group, said “Compelling entry-level cars, affordable for many, offering space and top technology customers know from higher segments: with the Electric Urban Car Family, Volkswagen Group is stepping up the pace of electrification in Europe. We are investing several billions to make Spain a central hub of electromobility. And we are proving a clear point: even as global competition intensifies, we believe in our home market Europe – our Electric Urban Car Family will be from Europe, for Europe. It is now crucial to build on this momentum with a clear Made-in-Europe strategy that ensures a level playing field and strengthens Europe’s industrial base.”

The Volkswagen ID. Polo brings one of the brand’s most successful models into the electric era. With over 20 million Polo units sold globally, the new ID. Polo combines compact size, practical space, modern design and advanced technology. It offers a WLTP range of up to 454 km, Connected Travel Assist, one-pedal driving and vehicle-to-load capability.

The CUPRA Raval marks a major step in CUPRA’s growth strategy. Built as a sporty urban electric vehicle, it combines compact dimensions, a driver-focused cabin, advanced design features and a range of around 450 km. Based on Volkswagen’s MEB+ platform, the Raval is expected to launch in summer 2026.

Together, the ID. Polo and CUPRA Raval highlight SEAT & CUPRA’s role in Volkswagen Group’s electrification strategy. With a €10 billion investment through the Future: Fast Forward project, SEAT & CUPRA is helping position Spain as a major European electric vehicle hub.

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