In a historic milestone for European automotive manufacturing, the SEAT & CUPRA plant in Martorell, Spain, has officially commenced production of two groundbreaking electric vehicles: the CUPRA Raval and the Volkswagen ID. Polo. The dual production launch marks the beginning of the Electric Urban Car Family initiative, a project positioned to make electric mobility accessible across the continent.
The institutional event celebrating the start of production was attended by Pedro Sánchez, Prime Minister of Spain; Oliver Blume, CEO of the Volkswagen Group; and Thomas Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG and CEO of the Volkswagen Brand, underscoring the strategic importance of the moment for both the company and the country.
"Today marks much more than the start of production of two cars. It is a milestone for SEAT & CUPRA and clear proof of what we can achieve through teamwork," said Thomas Schäfer at the event. "With the CUPRA Raval and the Volkswagen ID. Polo, we are not only launching the production of two models, but we are demonstrating our ability to lead and shape the future of mobility. We have completed our transformation, investing more than €3 billion."
The Electric Urban Car Family is the first project of this scale led by SEAT & CUPRA on behalf of the Volkswagen Group's Brand Group Core. It comprises four fully electric models across three distinct brands, all manufactured in Spain. The initiative leverages synergies and cross-brand collaboration to deliver compelling entry-level electric cars that are affordable for many while offering the space and advanced technology customers expect from higher segments.
The Volkswagen ID. Polo represents the all-electric reincarnation of one of the most successful nameplates in automotive history. With over 20 million units sold across generations, the Polo has now been completely reimagined and systematically geared toward an electric future. The ID. Polo produces 155 kW (211 PS) of power and achieves a combined energy consumption rating of 14.6 to 13.3 kWh per 100 kilometers, placing it in CO2 efficiency class A. Its design combines clean, timeless lines with generous interior space in a compact footprint suitable for everyday urban use.
Alongside the ID. Polo, the CUPRA Raval begins its production journey as a bold urban electric vehicle measuring just four meters in length. The Raval represents the next stage of CUPRA's remarkable growth trajectory, adding a fully electric model to a brand that has sold more than one million vehicles as it celebrates its eighth anniversary. The CUPRA Raval is scheduled for market launch in summer 2026, positioning it to further accelerate the brand's momentum in the rapidly expanding electric vehicle segment.
SEAT & CUPRA stands as the only company in Spain that designs, develops, manufactures, and markets its own vehicles, making the Martorell plant a cornerstone of the nation's industrial and economic landscape. The company is in the midst of the biggest transformation in its 75-year history, aiming to turn Spain into a European hub for electric vehicle production through its Future: Fast Forward strategy.
The start of production at Martorell signals a pivotal moment for European industrial policy and the continent's ambition to build a competitive, homegrown electric vehicle supply chain. With the Volkswagen Group committing substantial resources to the project, the Martorell facility is positioned as a powerhouse of electric vehicle manufacturing for years to come.
Image Source: Volkswagen Group
