In an era where innovation is often measured by speed and scale, Hispano Suiza stands as a beacon of perseverance, elegance, and technical mastery. With more than 120 years of history, the brand has remained unwavering in its philosophy: giving up is never an option. This ethos, captured in the company’s new “Manifesto of No,” is a tribute to the visionaries who have defined Hispano Suiza across generations and, in particular, to Miguel Suqué Mateu, the late Chairman whose leadership in the modern era reinvigorated the marque.
Born from a family legacy and a spirit of audacious engineering, Hispano Suiza has always been synonymous with innovation. Miguel Suqué Mateu, great-grandson of founder Damián Mateu, carried that torch into the 21st century. In 2019, he spearheaded the brand’s remarkable rebirth with the unveiling of the Carmen—a fully electric hypercar handcrafted in Spain, blending competition-derived technology with design excellence. The Carmen set the stage for subsequent triumphs: the Carmen Boulogne and the Carmen Sagrera, models that pay homage to Hispano Suiza’s storied racing heritage and the historic La Sagrera factory in Barcelona.
These modern masterpieces, forged with the same dedication and ingenuity that guided Marc Birkigt and Damián Mateu in 1904, reaffirmed Hispano Suiza’s place on the global stage. From the prestigious Concours d’Elegance events at Pebble Beach and Salon Privé to the iconic Goodwood Festival of Speed, the brand has stood shoulder to shoulder with the titans of automotive history. Each vehicle not only embodies technical sophistication but also a fearless commitment to creativity, proving that innovation and tradition are not mutually exclusive—they are complementary.
The “Manifesto of No” encapsulates this enduring spirit of resilience. Filmed at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya—the crucible where Hispano Suiza models are tested to their limits—the manifesto is a call to action, a challenge to defy doubt and pursue the extraordinary. It reads:
Manifesto of No
No
What a word
Have you ever thought about what happens when you say “No”?
You have an idea and they tell you:
It can’t be done. It’s never been done before
And what do you do?
You ignore them completely
And you keep going
Because they won’t convince you
“No” is only two letters
but they are also enough to find a thousand untrodden paths
To continue where others give up
“No” is a vision
A commitment to your ideas.
“No” is embracing excellence—not just for a second
but for more than a century.
“No” is challenging yourself
and walking alone into the unknown
It’s a silent challenge
far from the noise and the opinions of others
When you say No
it’s only you that matters
in the search for the perfect lap.
And maybe,
thanks to the fact that one day we said No,
we are still here today
And No,
we are not going to stop.
You understand me, don’t you?
This declaration is more than a tribute to courage; it is a reflection of Miguel Suqué Mateu’s enduring influence. His passing on June 15th of this year marked the end of a chapter, but his legacy continues to guide Hispano Suiza. Every curve sculpted, every motor tuned, and every innovation pursued carries the essence of his determination—a determination rooted in family heritage and a profound respect for automotive artistry.
For over a century, Hispano Suiza has walked its own path, guided by a philosophy that champions vision, perseverance, and uncompromising excellence. The “Manifesto of No” is both a celebration of that past and a declaration of what lies ahead: a future defined not by limits, but by the courage to say “No” and, in doing so, to forge new roads where others fear to tread.
