Milton Keynes, 27 January 2025 – A monumental step towards electrifying Spain’s future unfolded at CASA SEAT as SEAT S.A., the Government of Spain, and regional administrations signed the ‘CASA SEAT Declaration for the Promotion of Electric Mobility in Spain’. This agreement, a groundbreaking collaboration between key public and private stakeholders, signals the nation’s commitment to transforming its transportation sector, placing Spain at the forefront of Europe’s sustainable mobility revolution.
The summit saw significant attendance from political leaders and key industry figures, including Wayne Griffiths, President of SEAT S.A., Salvador Illa, President of the Generalitat de Catalunya, Jordi Hereu, Minister of Industry and Tourism, Carlos Mazón, President of the Generalitat Valenciana, and María Chivite, President of the Autonomous Community of Navarre. Together, they formalised an ambitious plan aimed at accelerating Spain’s journey towards electrification.
A Unified Vision for Spain’s Electric Future
The declaration is a bold statement of intent, uniting various levels of government and SEAT S.A. in the shared goal of advancing electric mobility. By prioritising effective incentives for electric vehicle (EV) purchases, bolstering charging infrastructure, and renewing public vehicle fleets, this initiative lays the groundwork for a fully electrified future.
“Since our commitment in 2021, we have worked tirelessly to put Spain on electric wheels,” said Wayne Griffiths, President of SEAT S.A. “But while Europe aims for 25% of vehicles to be fully electric this year, Spain lags far behind with only 5% market penetration. Through this declaration, Spain is sending a powerful message: we must come together to make Spain a leading nation in sustainable mobility.”
Catalysing Change Through Strategic Actions
The CASA SEAT Declaration focuses on immediate, impactful measures to fuel the electric transition. The signatories committed to the following core objectives:
- Incentivising Electric Vehicle Purchases
The agreement calls for the creation of comprehensive financial incentives, designed to make EVs more accessible. These will include direct aid at the point of sale, regional tax benefits, and support for businesses transitioning to electric fleets. The aim is to establish a thriving second-hand electric car market while also rejuvenating Spain’s vehicle fleet. - Expanding Charging Infrastructure
A key pillar of the declaration is the expansion of Spain’s charging network, particularly the installation of ultra-fast charging stations along major roadways. The plan also includes a five-year deployment roadmap, ensuring continuous growth in charging access and a user-friendly digital platform to guide drivers to available points. - Electrifying Public Fleets
The public sector will lead by example, with plans to modernise government vehicle fleets with electric cars. This initiative not only supports sustainable mobility but also serves as a powerful signal of commitment to decarbonisation. - Educational Campaigns
To dispel myths and build confidence, a nationwide communication campaign will be launched to highlight the environmental and economic benefits of electric vehicles. This will aim to educate the public on the advantages of electrification and drive the adoption of EVs across Spain. - Collaboration Across Regions
A working group will be established, bringing together the regions of Catalonia, Navarre, and the Comunitat Valenciana, alongside other governmental bodies and private sector partners, to ensure cohesive and effective action.
A Regional and National Commitment to Change
The declaration also underscored the essential role of Spain’s regional governments in this transformation. María Chivite, President of Navarre, highlighted the region’s leadership in electric mobility and the strategic investment in the Volkswagen plant in Landaben, which will play a pivotal role in electrification.
Carlos Mazón, President of the Generalitat Valenciana, emphasised the region’s capacity to contribute to the decarbonisation challenge, reinforcing the necessity of public-private collaboration to facilitate the transition to electric vehicles.
Jordi Hereu, Minister of Industry and Tourism, stressed the historic scale of the transformation, underscoring the need for sustained cooperation between the government and industry to drive forward the shift to sustainable mobility.
Salvador Illa, President of the Generalitat de Catalunya, called for united efforts, stating that Catalonia is ready to leverage its talent and commitment to lead the reindustrialisation of the automotive sector in Spain.
SEAT S.A.: Leading the Charge
SEAT S.A. has positioned itself as a driving force in Spain’s electric mobility transformation. The company’s Future: Fast Forward project, backed by a €10 billion investment from SEAT, the Volkswagen Group, and PowerCo, will establish Spain as a key EV production hub in Europe. By 2026, four new urban electric vehicles will be produced at SEAT’s Martorell and Landaben factories, supported by batteries manufactured in Sagunto.
Wayne Griffiths reaffirmed the company’s commitment to the Spanish economy, noting that the automotive sector represents 10% of the country’s GDP and employs over two million people. “It is critical to ensure that the investments being made by manufacturers are sustainable,” he added.
As part of its ongoing efforts to facilitate the transition to electric mobility, SEAT S.A. will expand its charging infrastructure across its facilities. The company plans to double the number of chargers at its Martorell site and triple the network around its factories by 2025.
A New Era for Spain’s Automotive Industry
The CASA SEAT Declaration marks a defining moment for Spain’s automotive sector. By fostering collaboration between public bodies and industry leaders, this initiative has the potential to set Spain on course to become Europe’s benchmark for sustainable, electrified mobility. With SEAT S.A. at the helm, the future of electric mobility in Spain is charging ahead, and with it, a greener, more sustainable automotive landscape.
