SEAT Ibiza

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About SEAT Ibiza

From the Sociedad Española de Automóviles de Turismo, S.A. in the 1950s to the young, sporty member of the Volkswagen Group that SEAT is today – read here about the milestones in a history full of spirit and pride and the courage to blaze a new trail through the chronicles of motoring.

1950 The Sociedad Española de Automóviles de Turismo, S.A. is founded on May 9th.

1953 Inauguration of the Zona Franca plant on June 5th. Manufacturing of the first SEAT car, a 1400 model, on November 13th.

1957 Beginning of the SEAT 600 model production on June 27th and with it, initiation of a massive motoring era in Spain.

1965 First export of SEAT cars, to Colombia.

1968 SEAT production reaches the 1 Million mark.

1973 Construction of SEAT Technical Centre in Martorell begins.

1974 The 2,000,000th SEAT car is produced.
Landaben (Pamplona) facilities are purchased.

1975 Martorell Technical Centre begins activities.

Laying the foundations of the future. The launching of the company sees the first cars roll off the production line and exports begin. The Technical Centre in Martorell commences operation and begins applying the first 'Athletic Technologies'.

1990 Volkswagen acquires SEAT shares, up to 99.99% of the capital.
The name Sociedad Española de Automóviles de Turismo, S.A. is changed to SEAT, S.A.

1991 The first SEAT model developed within the Volkswagen Group, the Toledo, is presented.

1993 His Majesty King Juan Carlos I opens the Martorell plant on February 22nd. Production of the new Ibiza begins. Cordoba model is presented.

1996 SEAT wins World Rally Championship FIA 2L with the Ibiza Kit Car in its debut in the competition. The Alhambra MPV is presented.

1997 The Ibiza Kit Car wins World Rally FIA 2L for its second consecutive year. The Arosa and The Cordoba Vario station wagon are presented.

1998 The new Toledo is presented at the Paris Motor Show. Brings a new and modern 'face' to SEAT products.
SEAT presents the Cordoba WRC which debuts in the top-class of the World Rally Championship.
SEAT retains leadership in the 2-litre category with a third consecutive world title for the Ibiza Kit Car

New faces. The company gears up for the coming new millennium with an official name change to SEAT S.A., 99.99% ownership by Volkswagen, the release of five modern, new models and the adaptation of a new corporate identity.

2000 Salsa concept car presented. Marks an innovative styling for SEAT's new product image.
SEAT celebrates its 50th Anniversary. His Majesty King Juan Carlos I receives the company's management.
The Prince of Asturias visits the Martorell facility.
The Technical Centre celebrates its 25th birthday.

2001 New Ibiza exhibited the Bologna Motor Show - A new generation of the brand's most charismatic car.

2002 SEAT joins Audi and Lamborghini in the Audi Brand Group, under the newly organised Volkswagen Group.

2004 The 20th anniversary of the Ibiza, with over 3.3 million units produced. Furthermore, the Ibiza model range is extended with two new sporty versions: the FR, which appeared in January, and the Cupra, appearing in June with the most powerful Diesel in the range (160hp).

In September the brand caused a stir with its highly original sports utility concept car SEAT Tribu at Frankfurt’s Motor Show IAA – as well as the Ibiza Ecomotive, one of the most environmentally friendly cars on the market.

At the end of the year the SEAT Design Centre (SDC) is opened in Martorell – one of the most modern and functional design centres in the world.


2006 SEAT opens a new head office centralising all activity in Martorell.
Mr. Erich Schmitt is named the new President of SEAT.

2007 Early in the year, the company launches SEAT Service, a unit merging all after-sales activities.
At the end of the year the SEAT Design Centre (SDC) is opened in Martorell – one of the most modern and functional design centres in the world.

2008 The highlight of the year to date is the successful launch of the new SEAT Ibiza, the new flagship vehicle of the SEAT brand, and the SportCoupé. Both versions of the car merge beauty and technology in a way unprecedented for SEAT, and firmly place the Ibiza amongst the most technologically advanced and fashionably cutting-edge vehicles on the market. The launch was topped off by a maximum of 5 Stars the new SEAT Ibiza gained in the Euro NCAP Safety Tests – making it one of the safest cars around. It is also the first model that SEAT offer with ‘custom colours’ – painted according to the customer’s order.

http://www.ibiza-concept.fr