- SEAT to become a shareholder of the company created by Volkswagen Group China and JAC and will be the Group’s lead brand in the joint venture
- The Spanish carmaker will actively participate in the creation of an R&D centre in China focus on electric vehicles, connectivity and autonomous driving
- The joint venture will launch a competitive BEV platform
- The agreement also includes the introduction of the SEAT brand in China
The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding signals a turning point for SEAT. Since the creation of the joint venture in 2017, SEAT has contributed in the areas of design and R&D. Under the agreement, SEAT will become a shareholder of JAC Volkswagen, which will result in the introduction of the SEAT brand in the Chinese market targeting 2020-2021.
After signing the agreement, SEAT President Luca de Meo declared: “Our participation in this new phase of the joint venture is a milestone for SEAT. Today will be remembered in the history of the company, as we are entering a new era that will enable us to globalise the brand and boost the development of the electric vehicle. China offers many opportunities for SEAT and we are going to contribute mobility solutions to suit the needs of customers. This is also a chance for us to learn from the future trends that are developing in China.”
The memorandum of understanding also includes that SEAT, together with Volkswagen Group China and JAC, will establish an R&D centre in China to develop electric vehicles, connectivity and autonomous driving technologies, including relevant parts and components and core technologies, with operational use planned for 2021. In addition, the joint venture will launch a competitive BEV platform based.