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SEAT : SEAT's 50th Anniverary Half a century on wheels In May 2000, SEAT was celebrating its 50th Anniversary.
Established in 1950, SEAT has played a central part in the development of Spanish society; the fifty years of the company are closely related to the progress of Spain itself.
In the last five decades, SEAT has been in constant evolution, currently standing out in the market as a Spanish company integrated within the Volkswagen Group that manufactures cars with Mediterranean flair, youthful and sporty design and advanced technology. On the occasion of such a significant anniversary, Bruno Adelt, president of SEAT's Executive Committee points out that "this half century celebration makes us one of the youngest automobile companies in the world, but at the same time provides us with the necessary and essential maturity to compete with diligence and guarantees for success". Furthermore, SEAT is proud to share this anniversary with another outstanding commemoration, since on 9 May 1950, the European Union was born. The beginning of SEAT provided a means of private transportation to all economic and social levels of Spanish society. At the end of the 50s, the arrival of the 600 put Spain on wheels, allowing many Spanish people to move around with freedom. After a brief period in the hands of the National Institute of Industry (INI), when the unmistakable Ibiza was launched, in the 80s SEAT became part of the Volkswagen Group, which currently controls almost 100% of its capital. This move completely revamped the Spanish brand. From that moment, SEAT entered a period of prosperity which continues today, characterized for its modernization and the progressive presence on the market of increasingly attractive, quality models, coupled with improving economic and commercial results as well as the outstanding sports competition results. Unveiled in 1991, the Toledo was the first car developed by SEAT with the guidance of Volkswagen. The range has been constantly expanding since then with avant-garde cars with an attractive design, such as the León, the latest model launched on the market and the first one equipped with 180 horsepower, 6 speed transmission and total traction. Furthermore, the Martorell factory, inaugurated in 1993 by HRH King Juan Carlos and currently said to be the most efficient in Europe, is clear proof of the company's modernization and the quality of its production processes. In this way, SEAT celebrates its fiftieth anniversary at a time of great dynamism, obvious expansion and solid economic results. Last year nearly 517,000 SEAT vehicles were manufactured in Martorell and other factories belonging to the Volkswagen Group. Turnover neared the billion peseta mark and sales surpassed 481,000 units, a new record for the third consecutive year. Besides, SEAT made a profit of 14,210 million pesetas in 1999, an outstanding amount taking into consideration the enormous investment poured into Research and Development (R&D) and the adaptation of the production process to launch new models. The company will continue with this investment trend over the next few years, earmarking more than 250,000 million pesetas to this concept for the 2000-2004 period, fully aware that this is the best guarantee for the future. The company currently commercializes seven models: Alhambra, Arosa, Córdoba, Ibiza, Inca, León and Toledo, exporting 64% of its total production. The main markets are European, although the company is present in more than 60 countries in all five continents with the aim of widening its international horizons. Another aspect that defines the brand is its innate Mediterranean character, a trait which has been transmitted with strength this 2000 with the presentation of the SEAT Salsa. This vehicle, with its distinct Latin rhythm, was wholly developed at the Martorell Technical Centre, which is fast becoming a technological showcase with the automotive sector. With this background, the more than 14,000 strong workforce of SEAT are optimistic about their future. Without a doubt, this 50th Anniversary is a reason for satisfaction and an encouragement to celebrate the next 50 years. Barcelona, May 2000
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