Currently reading: Seat to launch four new models by 2018 as part of Strategy 2025 plan
Seat's upcoming compact SUV will be the first car to launch under the Spanish firm's new Strategy 2025 plan

Seat has confirmed that it will launch four new models before the end of 2018 as part of a new plan to create sustainable growth.

The Spanish manufacturer has announced its 'Strategy 2025' plan, which will allow Seat to create sustainable profitability while also continuing to bring new models to market. Announcing the plan, Seat said it would focus on "developing new models in growing segments with a high profit margin by applying the successful Seat Leon formula; prioritising customer satisfaction and being the most attractive employer in the automotive industry in Spain".

Seat will also embark on a new efficiency programme, dubbed LEAP, which will be applied over the next two years. In particular, part of Seat's Martorell plant - which currently produces the Leon and Seat Ibiza model lines - will be upgraded to build a new platform. This is likely to be the MLB architecture, which is being used elsewhere within the VW Group to underpin SUV models.

The company says it is "on track" to launch four new models over the next two years, with the first car, its long-awaited compact SUV, due to be revealed early in 2016. In addition to the compact SUV, Seat is known to be developing a smaller Nissan Juke competitor, and it also has designs for a larger seven-seat crossover previewed by the Vision 2025 concept at this year's Geneva motor show.

Referring to the ongoing Volkswagen Group emissions scandal, Seat chairman Dr. Francisco Javier García Sanz said: “Now is the time to act with a view to the medium and long term, regardless of recent weeks’ news. The Volkswagen Group has full confidence in our plan for the future and it is perfectly integrated in their strategy. The models we have announced for the next two years will reach the market as scheduled and will contribute to Seat's sustainable growth. And they are just the first step of this strategy”. 

New Seat boss Luca de Meo, who replaced Jürgen Stackmann at the end of October, said: "I want to acknowledge the effort and dedication of all Seat employees over the last few years. From this day forward, I join Seat with the same passion and commitment to the brand that you have demonstrated. Seat has the potential to design and produce high-quality cars. We work consistently, we are passionate, fast, flexible and we have the technology. I am convinced that the strategy we are presenting today will be a huge success."

Seat's announcement comes just days after Volkswagen boss Matthias Müller announced his company's recovery plan in the wake of the emissions scandal.

Get the latest car news, reviews and galleries from Autocar direct to your inbox every week. Enter your email address below:

Add a comment…