The Spanish brand Seat will have its own affordable electric city car

At the end of 2023, the results of new car registrations in France reset the counter to zero between Seat and Cupratwo Spanish brands of the volkswagen group. If one focuses on new products, the other capitalizes on existing range to attract customers. The annual report shows that between January 1 and December 31, 2023, 17,880 seats were delivered in France (+ 30.6%)time 14,945 Cupras were registered (+27%).

“We must stop saying that the Seat has no future”

When a few months ago, the Spanish brand Seat, a subsidiary of the Volkswagen group, was supposed to be a mobility brand focusing on the production of electric bicycles or even quadricycles, the management of the German group changed the strategy to maintain the brand in the car. fold and make it one cheap electric car brand. The first fully electric model is expected between 2025 and 2026. This model may be based on the future ID.1 system from the Volkswagen brand and offered at a price of less than 20,000 euros.

“We must stop writing that the Seat has no future”, added a little anger Xavier Chardon, president of Volkswagen Group France. ” The seat never dies and lives on ».

Interview with Robert Breschkow, director of the Seat and Cupra brands in France, during the presentation of the results of the Volkswagen group for the year 2023 and thereby removing the last doubts about the Spanish brand.

Auto News: What are the consequences of the registration of the Spanish brands Seat and Cupra in France for the year 2023?

Robert Breschkow: We have recorded very good progress: double the growth on the Seat side as on the French market, with an increase of 32%. In terms of Cupra, we are recording 100% growth. Therefore, I can show that both brands are facing great development.

Automatic Notification: Seat’s sales volume exceeds that of Cupra. Isn’t this a curiosity, given all the rumors swirling around about possible brand discontinuations in the automotive industry?

Robert Breschkow: Not at all. The historic Seat brand has a reputation established for 70 years and offers an established product range, which sets it apart from a more recent brand such as Cupra, which has only been around for six years. You can’t compare the two brands.

« Kiti’s offer will be innovative and meet new market expectations »

Automatic Notification: How about this first Kit electric car?

Robert Breschkow: We have planned the launch of this project by the end of 2025, although its confirmation remains to be confirmed in the coming weeks. Our passion is reflected in the idea of ​​leading Kiti through this evolution by presenting an innovative offering that will meet new market expectations.

Automatic Notification: Regarding Kiti’s future, the brand will no longer be transformed into a mobility-focused brand with quad bikes. ?

Robert Breschkow: The current talks focus on our investment in the renewal of the current range, in particular Arona and Ibiza. At the same time, we are working on a small electric car project as well as other projects that are in the preparation stage. It is important to explain that those who say we will stop selling cars are wrong.

Automatic Notification: How is the Seat/Cupra network doing in France?

Robert Breschkow: I travel frequently within the network and my observation is that we maintain a very close and stable partnership. Distributors are happy to work with two brands. We are attentive and close to them. That makes a difference. We have 130 sites in France for 65 investors. Brand profit stood at 1.2%, an increase compared to the previous year. It is important to note that this figure is not final and may still increase.

Automatic Notification: What about the agency contract on the Cupra Born?

Robert Breschkow: This is a big paradigm shift. Although everything is still not perfect, the new model is well received by the Internet. Regarding the instructions, we do not face any major problems, even if the system is still not perfect. Other models of the Cupra brand will also be included in this deal.