Sociedad Espanola de Automoviles de Turismo, popularly known as SEAT is a Spain based Company that was founded way back in 1950. The company is known to re-badge Volkswagen cars and render it a sporty touch. Volkswagen has reportedly been planning on launching SEAT the last remaining brand in India. The anticipated launch from SEAT is expected to be a srong competitor against hot-selling brands like Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai in India that have a strong line-up in Rs. 3 – 5 lakhs small cars segment.
The cars from SEAT are expected to make it to the Indian market in next three to four years. Currently, the company has been studying the Indian market to launch its products effectively. Officials from SEAT have denied speaking on the plans, but a source closer to development said, “The market study for SEAT is currently underway and the broad plan is to tackle the entry car segment, which none of the VW brands are addressing today. While Skoda last year discontinued the Fabia, the cheapest model for the group – Volkswagen Polo — currently starts at about Rs. 5 lakh. There is a big white space below in a segment where the Hyundai i10 and Maruti WagonR are major contenders.”
It is anticipated that SEAT may bring-in newer versions of Mii and Ibiza in five-door pattern for the Indian market. Internationally, SEAT has reported an increased loss of about 217 Million Euros last year as against 134 Million Euros reported previously. Hence, the company shall invest time for research before launching the brand in in India. SEAT is considering localization to keep cost for spares lower. The company shall utilize the VW's Chakan facility. Volkswagen has recently upgraded the facility at a cost of about Rs. 240 Crores thus enabling the facility to produce about 2 lakh cars annually. Details on the technical aspect and pricing for cars from SEAT shall only be known post an official announcement made by Volkswagen in this regard.
