**SEAT Initiates Production of Its First Proprietary Batteries for Electric Vehicles**
*Barcelona, Spain – Marking a significant achievement for Spain’s automotive sector, SEAT S.A., a division of the Volkswagen Group, has officially launched the production of its inaugural in-house batteries for electric vehicles (EVs). This strategic initiative represents a crucial advancement in SEAT’s electrification efforts and reinforces its dedication to sustainable transport and technological advancement.*
### A New Chapter in Spanish Automotive Production
SEAT’s foray into battery manufacturing signifies a substantial progression in the company’s evolution into a pivotal player in the EV market. The new battery assembly facility, situated at SEAT’s Martorell site near Barcelona, forms part of an extensive €10 billion investment strategy under the Future: Fast Forward initiative, designed to establish Spain as a European center for electric mobility.
The venue, identified as the Battery Assembly Center, is outfitted with cutting-edge technology and automation systems, facilitating the production of high-performance battery packs customized for SEAT and CUPRA electric vehicles. Initially, the center will concentrate on manufacturing batteries for forthcoming models based on the Volkswagen Group’s MEB Small platform, including the eagerly awaited CUPRA Raval.
### Strategic Value of In-House Battery Manufacturing
By bringing battery production in-house, SEAT intends to strengthen supply chain resilience, diminish reliance on external vendors, and enhance cost-effectiveness. This vertical integration also allows for improved quality management and quicker responsiveness to technological innovations in battery chemistry and design.
Wayne Griffiths, CEO of SEAT and CUPRA, highlighted the significance of this initiative: “Commencing in-house battery production marks a historic moment for SEAT and the Spanish automotive sector. It brings us nearer to our aspiration of positioning Spain as a leader in electric vehicle production and innovation.”
### Stimulating Local Economy and Job Opportunities
The Battery Assembly Center is anticipated to generate hundreds of skilled positions and foster economic growth in the vicinity. It also corresponds with the Spanish government’s wider goals under the Strategic Project for Economic Recovery and Transformation (PERTE) for Electric and Connected Vehicles, which seeks to modernize the nation’s industrial landscape and fast-track the shift to renewable energy.
Alongside job creation, SEAT is investing in educational programs to enhance its workforce’s skills in battery technology, automation, and digitalization, guaranteeing long-term competitiveness and sustainability.
### Facilitating the Introduction of New Electric Models
The batteries produced at the Martorell location will energize a new wave of compact electric vehicles, including the CUPRA Raval and upcoming SEAT-branded EVs. These models are intended to provide affordable, zero-emission transportation solutions for urban settings, appealing to younger and environmentally aware consumers.
With production expected to accelerate in the upcoming months, SEAT is preparing itself to satisfy the rising demand for electric vehicles throughout Europe, while also contributing to the Volkswagen Group’s ambition of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
### Looking Forward
SEAT’s foray into battery production serves as a definitive indication of its long-standing commitment to electrification and innovation. As the automotive landscape undergoes a significant transformation, SEAT is not merely adapting; it is actively shaping the future of mobility in Spain and beyond.
By investing in local manufacturing abilities and sustainable technologies, SEAT is laying the groundwork for a cleaner, more efficient, and more competitive automotive industry in Europe.
**About SEAT S.A.**
SEAT S.A. is a Spanish automotive manufacturer based in Martorell, Barcelona. As part of the Volkswagen Group, SEAT operates under two primary brands: SEAT and CUPRA. The company is a vital contributor to Spain’s economy and a leader in automotive innovation, with a strong emphasis on electrification, connectivity, and sustainability.
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*For further details on SEAT’s electrification approach and the Battery Assembly Center, visit [www.seat.com](http://www.seat.com).*
