Image: SeatFor Seat, Volkswagen, and Cupra brands, the start of production marks a significant milestone, as the Cupra Raval and the VW ID. Polo are the first battery-electric vehicles to roll off the production line at the Martorell plant in Spain. The models are particularly important for the Volkswagen Group, with the ID. Polo positioned as a key model for entering the affordable compact EV segment.The start of series production in Martorell was attended by senior political and automotive industry representatives. Among those present were Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Industry Minister Jordi Hereu, Volkswagen Group CEO Oliver Blume, Volkswagen brand chief Thomas Schäfer and Seat/Cupra CEO Markus Haupt.To prepare the Martorell plant for production of the two battery-electric compact models based on the modified MEB Entry platform, also referred to as MEB21 or MEB-Small, Seat has extensively modernised the facility in recent years. The company adapted around 160,000 square metres of the site for electric vehicle production, upgraded production line 1, integrated 1,000 new robots into the body shop and installed 60 stamping tools for vehicle components, including the new PXL press.Seat has also developed four new exterior colours for the electric compact car family. In addition, the company recently commissioned a 600-metre automated bridge linking the battery assembly plant inaugurated in December with production line 1 in the assembly hall.Markus Haupt, CEO of Seat & Cupra, described the launch of the Raval and ID. Polo as more than the start of production for two new models, highlighting it as proof of the company’s transformation and its ambition to help shape the future of mobility. “We have completed our transformation, investing more than €3 billion in Martorell and driving a profound cultural change to become an industrial powerhouse. And we’re proud to say that we’re ready to electrify Europe from Spain.”Jose Arreche, Director of the Martorell and Barcelona plants, said the start of production for the Cupra Raval and Volkswagen ID. Polo marks the result of a major transformation programme at the Martorell site aimed at preparing the factory for electric vehicle production. “We have upgraded our facilities and proven that we can lead strategic projects for the future of the industry. This milestone would not have been possible without the dedication, expertise and daily commitment of our teams.”Seat/Cupra is not only responsible for the Cupra Raval and Volkswagen ID. Polo built in Martorell, but also for the two SUV derivatives of the electric compact car family — the Volkswagen ID. Cross and the Škoda Epiq — which will be produced at Volkswagen’s plant in Navarra. The so-called ‘development cluster’ is led by Seat/Cupra. According to the company, teams from Martorell and Navarra worked closely together and completed 560,000 hours of training during the preparation phase.Suppliers from the Iberian Peninsula also played a central role in the project. According to Seat/Cupra, Spain is home to more than 90 suppliers and 110 production sites contributing to the vehicles, collectively accounting for around 70 per cent of the models’ material costs.Seat/Cupra is also assuming responsibility for the future technical development of the compact car platform. According to the company, this marks the first time in its history that the brand has taken on such a role within Volkswagen Group development activities. In this context, Seat/Cupra will also appoint Joost Kessels as its first dedicated head of research and development.volkswagen-newsroom.com, linkedin.com