A MAJOR car brand is set to discontinue all its vehicles as an industry giant undergoes a massive change.
One of the most well-known manufacturers in the world will be absorbed into a different company as part of a large-scale restructuring.
GettyA major car brand is discontinuing all its vehicles as it is absorbed into another company[/caption]
Owners VW Group confirmed that the beloved SEAT badge will no longer grace the road from 2024.
Instead, it will be incorporated into Cupra, a performance-focused manufacturer that previously formed part of SEAT.
Speaking at the Munich Motor Show on Monday, company chairman Thomas Schafer said: “The future of SEAT is Cupra.”
He added that the cost of funding both as separate entities had become “prohibitive” and that the company had chosen to back Cupra due to its “far greater” potential for profit.
The news came with a promise that VW will “ramp up” its investment in the brand, which produces luxury, high-spec SUVs.
Schafer also denied that the decision was affected by the reported tensions 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.”
Some popular SEAT models are likely to remain, but they will be rebadged as Cupra going forward.
This is expected to include the Leon hatchback among others.
However, others like the Ibiza supermini are not set to be renewed for further models.
Elsewhere, Autocar has reported that the SEAT name will live on in other “mobility solutions” such as e-scooters, but it is unlikely to continue producing cars.
It comes as VW announced decisions to discontinue multiple beloved models.
First, it was revealed that an iconic motor loved by millions of Brits would be phased out as the company pivots to an EV future.
This was then followed by an all-time classic favoured by celebs and even royalty being scrapped.