Martorell Will Produce Electric SUV
Seat is developing a variant of the SEM platform aimed at compact electric vehicles, branded as MEB Small. This architecture is part of a broader push by Volkswagen Group to offer a family of affordable electric cars. In this initiative, Skoda, Cupra, and Volkswagen are involved, with plans to roll out new electric models priced around 25,000 euros. Seat has also secured a production contract for the Martorell plant, solidifying its role in the group’s electrification strategy. Navarra will see production of new small electric SUVs based on this platform for the Volkswagen and Skoda brands, extending the group’s shared manufacturing approach.
Seat is pursuing a version of SEM tailored for smaller electric vehicles, identified as MEB Small. This platform is designed to enable cost-effective electric cars that appeal to entry-level buyers while maintaining the quality and performance standards associated with the group. The objective is to introduce vehicles priced below the costs of Skoda and Volkswagen offerings, targeting around 25,000 euros. In addition to this development, Seat has won a production contract at the Martorell facility, reinforcing the factory’s central position in the group’s production network. Navarra is expected to contribute to the program by producing new compact electric SUVs for the Volkswagen and Skoda lines, leveraging shared components and scalable manufacturing processes.
This shift will optimize the factory’s workflow, aligning output with evolving demand. The Martorell plant is anticipated to operate at roughly 80,000 to 90,000 units per year by 2028. Early information suggests some production will move to Martorell on a paid transfer basis, with an estimated 40,000 to 50,000 units set to be redirected. These SUVs, planned for production in 2026, will be manufactured only if all flexible manufacturing systems and weekend shifts are activated. While these units will contribute to Seat’s overall output, they will not fully compensate for Navarra’s broader production volume, and Skoda will not replace all programs there.
As for Navarra, there is standing agreement that it will continue producing models such as the T-Cross, Taigo, and Polo in 2026 to sustain the plant’s current capacity. Industry outlets, including Automotive Grandstand, report that production stability at Navarra will hinge on the electrification push. The plan suggests a controlled reduction in labor requirements as electrification progresses, rather than a sudden downturn, thanks to flexible manufacturing practices and new product introductions.
From Seat’s perspective, the lifecycle of Martorell remains under review due to potential shifts in activity. The arrival of the Cupra brand and the deeper integration of Seat within the group’s electrification strategy are expected to shape the plant’s future role. Looking ahead to 2027 and 2028, Volkswagen Group intends to finalize another electric platform to offset the loss of units after the current models wind down. Industry discussions indicate that final awards for new projects will not be announced until late next year, underscoring the ongoing planning and negotiation that characterizes large-scale automotive electrification programs. These developments reflect a coordinated strategy across the group to maximize shared platforms while meeting regional demand in Europe and beyond, as observed by industry observers and market reports.