The future of SEAT and Škoda within VW Group

In Europe, when you have been available in the market for a household hatchback, the probabilities are that you might have thought-about the Volkswagen Golf, which for a very long time (up till 2020) was the best-selling passenger automobile in Europe. And for patrons wanting to decide on a substitute for the most well-liked choice, VW Group additionally provided comparable packages with the SEAT Leon and Škoda Scala. This theme repeats all through different mannequin traces within the two sister manufacturers’ vary, each of which often provide a mannequin whose underpinnings are shared with a Volkswagen, at a barely cheaper price level. Nonetheless, the distinction in product planning for these manufacturers might counsel that they are going to be handled in another way throughout the VW Group going ahead, significantly as we head into an electrical period.

We’re initially of a transitionary interval the place some mannequin traces are being phased out in favour of all-new electrical launches, typically labelled with sub-brand names comparable to ID for Volkswagen or IONIQ for Hyundai. Partly to make electrical mannequin ranges stand out, the design of some BEVs has been fairly a departure from producers’ current lineups. In some circumstances, it’s even a chance to rebrand and create a brand new identification, as appears to be the case with SEAT and its offshoot Cupra.

To this point, there was no indication that SEAT will launch a BEV anytime quickly.

To this point, there was no indication that SEAT will launch a BEV anytime quickly. Škoda, as compared, already enjoys success with the Enyaq, and gross sales of this BEV are nearly on a degree with the Volkswagen ID.4 up to now this 12 months (to July). Škoda additionally not too long ago revealed the Škoda 7S idea in addition to plans for different BEVs within the pipeline, showcasing its clear BEV ambitions throughout the Group. In the long term, it may due to this fact observe that SEAT would ultimately be left with none BEV exercise and due to this fact now not present a substitute for Volkswagen’s ID vary, whereas Škoda’s BEV planning secures its spot within the VW Group as Volkswagen’s closest relative.

The longer-term BEV improvement for SEAT stays unsure. It appears extra possible the Cupra model, which does embrace BEVs in its future, will shift away from its origin as a SEAT-based efficiency offshoot, to search out its personal identification. This was signalled with the announcement of the Terramar, due in 2024, previewed as a sister mannequin to the subsequent technology Audi Q3. As we speak’s savvy prospects will likely be conscious that this mannequin is mechanically twinned with an Audi, fairly than a SEAT. VW Group will hope this permits Cupra to be pushed upmarket in the direction of a status and pricing technique extra consistent with the Premium producers.

This doubtlessly permits for a extra worthwhile future for the Cupra model, and if there actually is not any BEV planning in place for SEAT, would possibly we be witnessing the demise of the Spanish model?

Sammy Chan