Car bosses on the brink as tariffs, tech and turmoil keep the auto industry in the firing line

Car bosses on the brink as tariffs, tech and turmoil keep the auto industry in the firing line

2026 marks a watershed moment for SEAT & CUPRA, as the brands step decisively into the electric era with the launch of the CUPRA Raval, the first 100% electric vehicle to be produced at the Martorell plant. This milestone signals not just a new car, but the start of a transformative chapter for the company, […]

By Breyten Odendaal19 February 20264 min read

2026 marks a watershed moment for SEAT & CUPRA, as the brands step decisively into the electric era with the launch of the CUPRA Raval, the first 100% electric vehicle to be produced at the Martorell plant. This milestone signals not just a new car, but the start of a transformative chapter for the company, positioning it at the forefront of urban electromobility in Europe.

Martorell, long a cornerstone of SEAT & CUPRA’s manufacturing prowess, has undergone an extensive transformation to meet the demands of electric vehicle production. Nearly 160,000 m² of the plant have been adapted, with Production Line 1 upgraded with 1,000 new robots in the bodywork phase and 60 new component stamping dies, including the advanced PXL press. A 600-meter automated bridge now links the battery system assembly plant directly to the assembly line, ensuring a seamless, efficient supply of power units. Four new body colours have also been introduced, reflecting the forward-looking design of this new family of urban electric cars.

Markus Haupt, CEO of SEAT & CUPRA, emphasizes the significance of this moment: “We are entering a historic year. In Martorell, the epicentre of future mobility, we are in the final phase of series production of the CUPRA Raval, the car that will mark the beginning of a new era for the brand. We have transformed our facilities, trained our teams, and optimized our processes to make this possible. Driving electromobility in Europe from the Iberian Peninsula is closer than ever.”

Car bosses on the brink as tariffs tech and turmoil keep the auto industry in the firing line

The CUPRA Raval represents the first model in a family of urban electric cars developed under the Volkswagen Group’s Brand Group Core, which includes four models across three brands, all manufactured in Spain. Alongside the CUPRA Raval, the Martorell plant will produce the Volkswagen ID. Polo, while the Volkswagen Navarra facility will manufacture the Skoda Epiq and Volkswagen ID. Cross. This collaborative approach underscores Spain’s central role in the industrial ecosystem, with more than 90 suppliers and 110 production plants contributing to the project.

André Kleb, Chief Production Officer for the Iberian Peninsula, highlights the scale and ambition of the transformation: “Martorell continues to evolve and, with the arrival of the new electric models, will consolidate its position as the epicentre of future mobility: a flexible factory capable of producing 100% electric, hybrid, and combustion models for different Volkswagen Group brands. This project reflects the extraordinary collaboration between SEAT & CUPRA and Volkswagen Navarra, positioning the Group at the forefront of European electromobility.”

The CUPRA Raval not only embodies the technical advancements and strategic vision of SEAT & CUPRA but also represents a tangible step toward sustainable urban mobility. With over 560,000 hours of training invested in the transition to electrification, and a robust supply chain anchored in Spain, the launch of the Raval is more than the debut of a car—it’s the beginning of a new era that will redefine urban electric driving and set the standard for the Volkswagen Group’s future electric city cars.

The CUPRA Raval is the first spark in a series that will illuminate Europe’s streets with innovation, sustainability, and electrifying performance, as SEAT & CUPRA accelerate toward a cleaner, smarter future.

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