Resolution passed amid fears over SEAT’s future
The Parliament of Catalonia has approved a resolution calling on the Generalitat to negotiate a minority but significant stake in SEAT, aiming to secure the brand’s future beyond 2029. The move follows reports that parent company Volkswagen plans to phase out the SEAT brand due to its lack of electrification, according to German media cited by Catalan News and Autonext.co. The resolution, presented by Comuns, passed on 1 October 2026 with 88 votes in favour from ERC, Comuns, CUP-DT, Aliança Catalana and PPC, while Junts opposed and the PSC, PPC and Vox abstained. It urges the Catalan government to act through Avançsa, its industrial investment agency, or another designated body, in coordination with the Spanish government, worker representatives and local authorities.
Call for public representation in governance
The approved text demands that any public investment ensure Catalan representation in SEAT’s governing bodies, allowing influence over strategic decisions affecting the Martorell factory and the wider industrial base in Catalonia. It also calls for the retention of decision-making, research and development centres in the region. The resolution further requires the Generalitat to review SEAT’s industrial plans tied to public funding, including support from the national PERTE VEC electric vehicle programme and regional aid. Should SEAT fail to meet commitments to maintain the brand, the resolution insists on the repayment of public funds.
Government response remains open
Despite the parliamentary push, the Generalitat has not yet committed to taking a stake. A previous statement from the regional executive, reported by La Vanguardia on 16 September 2026, indicated it had not considered or studied entering SEAT’s board. However, the government met with SEAT and Cupra’s interim CEO in late September, according to an official agenda entry on govern.cat, suggesting ongoing engagement. SEAT’s management, represented by CEO Markus Haupt, has publicly stated that the company’s future is secure and that no jobs will be lost. Union leaders, including Matias Carnero of UGT, have expressed concern, warning that Volkswagen is allowing the SEAT brand to wither by withholding electric models.
The continuity of the SEAT brand, created 76 years ago, must be guaranteed beyond 2029.
The resolution explicitly calls for a future plan to ensure this, amid growing political and industrial anxiety over the long-term viability of one of Catalonia’s most iconic manufacturers.
Primary sources: govern.cat, empresa.gencat.cat. Reported by eldiario.es, expansion.com, lavanguardia.com, parlament.cat, vozpopuli.com, catalannews.com, Xavier Grau del Cerro, nieuws.seat.nl, autonext.co, np7, elbaix.cat.
