Opening the doors to Europe. Initial cooperation with Volkswagen develops into 75% ownership and the first sales in Europe. Ibiza hits the streets, the first stones of the Martorell plant are laid and SEAT Sport arrives on the motorsport scene. 1989 Construction of the Martorell plant begins. 1986 Volkswagen purchases 51% of the SEAT shares in June and, by the end of the year, increases this to 75%. SEAT begins to export to Europe. First sales in the Netherlands. SEAT's motorsport branch, SEAT Sport, is founded. 1984 The first Ibiza model leaves Zona Franca assembly lines on April 27th. 1982 Industrial and commercial cooperation agreements are signed with Volkswagen on September 30th.