Speaking to the media at the ministry after a mediation meeting with Airbus management and unions over the labor dispute at the company, Hereu commented for the first time on reports published this week that Volkswagen was considering shutting down SEAT to focus on the Cupra brand in Spain.
The minister’s comments came after Volkswagen issued a statement saying that the future of the SEAT brand would depend on emissions regulations in Europe, but that, for now, SEAT “has an important role to play in the group’s future.”
HEREU DEFENDS THE VALUE OF THE SEAT BRAND
Hereu began by pointing out that SEAT is a historic Spanish brand, like others that have been revived in recent years, such as Santana and Ebro, “launching magnificent industrial projects based on the recovery of former brands.”
He said that “as a Spaniard, Catalan and Barcelonan,” he views SEAT as “one of the great brands and, therefore, I hope that in the future we will be able to talk about the development of an industrial project linked to this brand.”
“In any case, the company itself has spoken today, because there had been speculation. I believe we have years ahead of us to discuss potential industrial projects that incorporate the great intangible asset that is also fundamental: the SEAT brand.”
PERMANENT CONTACT WITH VOLKSWAGEN AND SEAT CUPRA
Asked whether he had spoken or planned to speak with Volkswagen’s management, he said, “we are in permanent contact with SEAT Cupra in Spain and with Volkswagen at the international level.”
