Since its establishment in 1950 SEAT has been Spain’s main automobile manufacturer. It was set up as a subsidiary of the Italian Fiat and most of its early models were rebadged versions of the parent company’s cars. The founding of the company was heavily influenced by the Spanish government and it played a key role in the economic recovery of the country following a civil war and World War II.

SEAT’s first model - the 600 - was released in 1957 and was an instant success among Spanish drivers. The cars continued to be based on Fiat’s range, including the 124, 127 and 128 - which were all named European Car of the Year under the Fiat badge.

The first model to be independently produced by SEAT was 1981’s Ronda. By this time Fiat had ceased their cooperation with SEAT and a lawsuit was filed claiming the model was too similar to the Fiat Ritmo. However this was unsuccessful and in the same year a cooperation with Volkswagen began.

In 1986 SEAT models began to be exported to Europe and Volkswagen acquired a majority share in the company. By 1990 this had increased to a 99.99% share and Volkswagen effectively fully owned the brand. In 2002 the Volkswagen Group was reorganised, with SEAT officially becoming a part of the Audi Brand Group along with Lamborghini - all under the German company’s banner.

In recent years SEAT has been involved in various motor sports and is now strongly represented in the World Touring Car Championship. Since 2005 it has competed using the Leon - which is also the brand’s best selling commercial car.

EuroNCAP Safety Ratings for Seat cars
The European New Car Assessment Programme produces reports on the safety of vehicles based on the results of several crash tests. As well as measuring how the car will hold up in a crash the risk to a pedestrian struck by the car is assessed. The star ratings (maximum 5) of key Seat models are shown below.