Contents
Who owns the CUPRA brand
Who is CUPRA? CUPRA is part of the Volkswagen Group and is best-known as the high-performance arm of trusted Spanish automobile manufacturer SEAT.
Is CUPRA a VW company
Volkswagen Group sub-brand Cupra has been market testing the possible entry into the US market, according to SEAT Cupra CEO Wayne Griffiths. Cupra has expanded to new markets outside of Western Europe recently and has multiple all-electric models in its production pipeline in Spain as it looks to grow its recognition as its own standalone EV brand.
SEAT Cupra, S.A.U., better known as Cupra, is a high-performance subsidiary of Spanish automaker SEAT founded in 2018. Parent company SEAT has been wholly-owned by Volkswagen Group since the mid-80s. Although it originated as a performance-focused sub-brand of SEAT, Cupra has emerged as its own unique brand with its own models.
Now, the Spanish automaker is going electric – promising three new EV models by 2025, including the upcoming UrbanRebel. That electrification announcement also included plans for expansion into new markets like Mexico and Australia. Sales in those markets are already underway with Colombia and Chile to soon follow. The upcoming UrbanRebel BEV / Source: Cupra
Who is behind CUPRA cars?
Cupra Formentor Performance SUV manufactured by SEAT Cupra Motor vehicle Cupra Formentor OverviewManufacturer ()Production2020–presentAssemblySpain:, Alberto Torrecillas under Body and chassis ()5-door or RelatedPowertrain
- :
- 1.5 L
- 2.0 L
- 2.5 L (VZ5)
- Petrol :
- 1.4 L TSI I4
- :
- 2.0 L TDI I4
6-speed manual 6-speed DSG 7-speed 13 kWh (plug-in hybrid) 50 km (31 mi) (plug-in hybrid)Dimensions2,631 mm (103.6 in)Length4,450 mm (175.2 in)Width1,839 mm (72.4 in)Height1,511 mm (59.5 in) The Cupra Formentor is a () manufactured by the Spanish car manufacturer under their performance-oriented sub-brand.
- Marketed as a, it is the first car designed specifically for the sub-brand.
- The production version was revealed in March 2020, after its unveiling was postponed when the led to the cancellation of the 2020,
- It was previewed as a near-production at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show.
- It is named after the peninsula on the Spanish island of,
Production of the Formentor started in late September 2020.
Where is the CUPRA Born made
Designed and developed in Barcelona, at the headquarters in Martorell, the CUPRA Born will go into production at the Zwickau plant in Germany starting in September.
Is SEAT a German car?
SEAT SEAT is one of the most well-known brands in Spain. Founded over 73 years ago, SEAT put Spain on wheels and shaped the lives of many for generations. The Spanish brand offers younger and first-time car owners a dynamic driving experience at an affordable price, without compromising on quality.
- SEAT is the brand with the youngest customer profile in Europe (10 years younger than the industry average).
- Created in Barcelona”, the Catalan metropolis is a source of inspiration for SEAT and part of the brand’s design DNA.
- With record demand, SEAT was the leading automotive brand in Spain for the fourth year in a row in 2022.
Its largest and most important market is Germany, and SEAT has also seen strong growth in countries such as France, Turkey, Mexico and Israel in recent years.To further develop and drive the company’s micromobility strategy, SEAT has established SEAT MÓ, which goes beyond the traditional automotive market.
- The aim is to offer sustainable and affordable electromobility to contemporary urban society.
- SEAT has evolved from the first Spanish family car manufacturer to one of the most design-oriented carmakers in the world.
- In the process, the brand has come a long way to produce vehicles with eye-catching design and the most advanced internal combustion engines.
*As of 2021 year end, comprises SEAT as well as CUPRA employees : SEAT
Does Fiat own CUPRA
Who makes CUPRA cars? – For those asking who owns CUPRA, well the sub-brand is manufactured by SEAT, which is a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group. 2013 SEAT Ibiza CUPRA SEAT, the Spanish car manufacturer, has been crafting cars with a dash of zest since 1950. With a storied background in competitive racing, SEAT’s vehicles epitomise their passion for adrenaline-inducing experiences. Being a part of the Volkswagen corporation has not diluted SEAT’s dedication to designing cars that will thrill and electrify its youthful clientele.
Has CUPRA replaced SEAT
The CUPRA brand was formed as a development of the original ‘SEAT Sport’ moniker. Originally these were sporty variants of SEAT models, but today SEAT is a company with two clearly defined brands: SEAT and CUPRA. First combined on one website, the two each now have their own websites and separate vehicle line-ups.
Who makes CUPRA UK?
Cupra – The story behind Seat’s performance brand.
Being a niche, sporty brand, it’s perhaps surprising Cupra has yet to offer a sports car. That could change, with CEO Wayne Griffiths leaving the door open for such a model for the young Volkswagen Group brand. “If we had to do new models on top of the range that we’ve got, those new models either have to allow us access into real global markets, such as the US or do something very, very special for our brand,” said Mr Griffiths.
Cupra Leon
If approved, this would give Cupra one of the few sports cars in the Volkswagen Group stable. The Volkswagen, SEAT and Skoda brands have none, for example, while Audi is ending production of its TT, It would also give the sporty brand a halo model. Given Cupra has already confirmed its last new combustion-powered vehicle launch will be that of the Terramar in 2024 and has committed to going EV-only by 2030, any sports car it launches would almost certainly be an electric vehicle.
Tavascan, Terramar and UrbanRebel concepts
“We have plenty of brands in the Volkswagen Group that do luxury and premium cars. We’re not about luxury, or premium, or big,” said Mr Griffiths. “And I mean, that’s getting us into a real trap and an overlap with other brands that we don’t need.” Cupra has been busily expanding its model line-up since being spun off from the SEAT brand in 2018.
Cupra Formentor, Ateca and Leon
It has also indicated there’s room above the Volkswagen Tiguan -sized Terramar for a larger SUV should it launch in the US market, something it has already been conducting market research for. Cupra sold a record 152,900 vehicles globally in 2022, with 1111 of those sales in Australia.
What is the story behind CUPRA?
Over its 70-year history, SEAT has produced over 19 million vehicles and has produced 75 different models. Although it is 70 years old, SEAT is considered to be one of the younger car manufacturers, and its sporty cars show no plans to slow down, with popularity for SEAT continuously growing.
Known as SEAT, an acronym for Sociedad Española de Automóviles de Turismo (Spanish Corporation of Private Cars), the company was founded in 1950 with the help of the Instituto Nacional de Industria and Fiat. As a result, the first models were simply rebadged and slightly modified Fiat’s. For instance, the SEAT Panda was based on the Fiat Panda.
It wasn’t until 1963 that SEAT launched their own self-developed model, the SEAT 800 – a game changer for the brand. It was the first car for many Spanish families and was so popular that there is even a monument of the SEAT 800 in Spain. The partnership with Fiat ended in 1982, leading to a change in the logo on SEAT’s part and the launch of the SEAT Ronda in the same year, the first car to be launched without the collaboration of Fiat.
- Later in the year, Volkswagen entered a partnership with SEAT.
- SEAT has continued to launch hugely popular vehicles, including the Altea, and updated versions of favourites such as the Leon and the Ibiza.
- They have introduced EcoMotive and Sports versions, as well as launching a zero-emission sports coupe.
The first Listers SEAT retailer was inaugurated in 1995 in Coventry. This was followed by the opening of Listers SEAT Worcester in 2012. SEAT Range CUPRA, formerly known as SEAT Sport, is the high-performance motorsport subsidiary of SEAT. CUPRA was the name given to the top-of-the-range high-performance models in the SEAT range. The name was formed by combining ‘Cup’ and ‘Racing’ in a nod to their success in motorsport, and the CUPRA badge has been applied to both road and track cars.
It was SEAT’s entry into the FIA 2-litre World Rally Cup that thrust the CUPRA brand forward. The Ibiza Kit Car proved to be a huge success on the rally stage, taking three straight Manufacturers’ titles in 1996, 1997 and 1998. This propelled the Ibiza from a budget hatchback to a competition-worthy hot hatch.
The car also had success in British Rally Championships, ensuring the UK were aware of the Ibiza CUPRA. In 2018, SEAT decided to make CUPRA a standalone performance brand, signalling the end of CUPRA models. CUPRA Range
Your Enquiry This is a business enquiry Optional
The personal details you submit through this form will be handled and processed in line with our Data Privacy Notice,
Is the Seat Leon being discontinued?
One of the world’s most famous car brands is set to be discontinued, however, some of its more popular models will now be sold under a new manufacturer. Announced at the Munch Motor Show, The Volkswagen Group has stated that it will no longer produce Seat vehicles.
Some models will be rebadged under the Cupra brand over the next few years. Volkswagen’s chairman Thomas Schafer said: “The future of Seat is Cupra”. In his speech, he confirmed the Volkswagen Group would increase investment into the brand after the current Seat models have been phased out from the business.
Although Seat models, such as the Ibiza supermini, will be coming to end, the Leon hatchback, will be rebranded as a Cupra vehicle.
Seat – RAC car reviews Buying a used car – the ultimate checklist Seat warning lights – what they mean and what do you need to do
According to some news reports, although the Seat name may come to an end as a vehicle manufacturer, it could be rebranded for e-scooters. Volkswagen’s decision to end the Seat’s current role within the group was due to the Cupra brand having ‘far greater’ earning potential for the business.
- Schafer also denied that the announcement was made due to a problem with the Spanish government, which was a joint founder of Seat in 1950.
- He said: “There are no problems with the government.
- I think it was the right decision in hindsight, but it’s a gamble.
- I’ve seen lots of new names come up and go but this was a good decision.
Cupra is bigger than Alfa Romeo and Polestar, so not just new brands but also old.” For UK customers, nothing was announced regarding current Seat dealerships in the UK.
Is CUPRA still owned by SEAT
The CUPRA brand was formed as a development of the original ‘SEAT Sport’ moniker. Originally these were sporty variants of SEAT models, but today SEAT is a company with two clearly defined brands: SEAT and CUPRA. First combined on one website, the two each now have their own websites and separate vehicle line-ups.
Does Fiat own CUPRA
Who makes CUPRA cars? – For those asking who owns CUPRA, well the sub-brand is manufactured by SEAT, which is a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group. 2013 SEAT Ibiza CUPRA SEAT, the Spanish car manufacturer, has been crafting cars with a dash of zest since 1950. With a storied background in competitive racing, SEAT’s vehicles epitomise their passion for adrenaline-inducing experiences. Being a part of the Volkswagen corporation has not diluted SEAT’s dedication to designing cars that will thrill and electrify its youthful clientele.
Who is the CEO of CUPRA?
Standing out from the crowd – The future appears bright – and electrified. The brand introduced its first fully electric vehicle (EV), the CUPRA Born, in 2021. Volkswagen Group is also investing around €10 billion to transform Spain into a European EV hub.
- To be sustainable in electric, we say we want to make emotional electric cars,” Wayne says.
- We want to prove that electric cars don’t have to be boring, that they can be sexy and emotional, and you don’t need to be ashamed of that.” Wayne has pursued some unconventional approaches to building CUPRA’s brand.
He started with authenticity, which permeates the corporate culture, marketing and even his management style. “You need to challenge your people. I mean challenge them, but then give them the space,” he says. “I just tell them, ‘Don’t come and show me something boring or something I’ve seen. Being authentic often means being provocative with both the public and the CUPRA Tribe – and even ruffling a few feathers. “We don’t want to do the cars that people like because we want to be a brand that stands out,” Wayne says. “When I go to design presentations and everybody likes the car, then I know it’s wrong.
“Therefore, we need to not polarise but provoke and have some people who love us. That’s the authenticity thing, trying to devote to that and having a tribe of people who share those values, then you start to become authentic. Because then it’s the culture of the organisation that becomes as big as the brand that you’re trying to position.” CUPRA extends its commitment of authenticity to its relationships with influencers outside the company, such as actors and footballers.
“They like our style, like our culture, and want to be associated with this challenger brand CUPRA. They want to be part of the CUPRA Tribe and CUPRA story,” Wayne says. “We don’t see our partnership with FC Barcelona as a sponsorship of a football club.
- We see it as a partnership with them, doing something cool together.” As he looks ahead, Wayne sees CUPRA as a brand that “continues to make great, sustainable, sexy, emotional cars for the future.
- But to be able to do that, you need to inspire people who share that culture and dedicate a lot of time doing that.
You need to believe it. And you don’t do it from the top down.” : Wayne Griffiths, President and CEO of CUPRA