2008 The highlight of the year to date is the successful launch of the new SEAT Ibiza, the new flagship vehicle of the SEAT brand, and the SportCoupé. Both versions of the car merge beauty and technology in a way unprecedented for SEAT, and firmly place the Ibiza amongst the most technologically advanced and fashionably cutting-edge vehicles on the market. The launch was topped off by a maximum of 5 Stars the new SEAT Ibiza gained in the Euro NCAP Safety Tests – making it one of the safest cars around. It is also the first model that SEAT offer with ‘custom colours’ – painted according to the customer’s order. 2007 Early in the year, the company launches SEAT Service, a unit merging all after-sales activities. In July the Prototype Center of Development (PCD) is inaugurated – a specialised department bringing together the virtual and physical stages of prototype development, putting SEAT firmly at the cutting edge of the motoring industry. In September the brand caused a stir with its highly original sports utility concept car SEAT Tribu at Frankfurt’s Motor Show IAA – as well as the Ibiza Ecomotive, one of the most environmentally friendly cars on the market. At the end of the year the SEAT Design Centre (SDC) is opened in Martorell – one of the most modern and functional design centres in the world. 2006 SEAT opens a new head office centralising all activity in Martorell.   Mr. Erich Schmitt is named the new President of SEAT. In May, the new SEAT Leon FR is unveiled at the Madrid Motor Show. 2 months later in July, the London Motor Show is the chosen location to reveal the Leon Cupra, the most powerful car of the brand to date. Lastly, in September, the Altea XL is unveiled at the International Motor Show in Paris - the most family-friendly of the range. In the sporting arena SEAT Sport finish runners-up in the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) just 19 points behind the eventual winners BMW. 2005 The year 2005 marks the arrival of the new Leon, the brand’s sportiest model, unveiled at the Barcelona Motor Show together with its competition version the Leon WTCC. Likewise, the world premiere of the Altea FR Prototype, the first vehicle of the new generation to adopt the successful FR concept, takes place at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The Altea prototype 2-litre 170 hp TDI becomes the most powerful diesel-engine car in the entire history of SEAT. SEAT Sport finishes a brilliant season in the WTCC (World Touring Car Championship). It gains its first WTCC trophy after coming third after a historic win by the Leon WTCC, just two months after its first entry into this World Championship. For its part, the fourth edition of the SEAT Leon Supercopa fully consolidated the event’s position on the motoring competition calendar, with the first ever SEAT Leon Supercopa European Masters meeting. The event brings together the best drivers from each the countries (Spain, Germany, United Kingdom and Turkey) in which the competition is held. 2004 The year of "new SEAT" consolidation. With the world premiere of SEAT Altea at the Geneva Motor Show, a new era officially begins for the brand. In March, the company holds its first-ever Open Day at the Martorell plant, with more than 41,000 people visiting the facilities, most of them employees and their families. In June, at the Paris Motor Show, a new and innovative generation of the Toledo saloon is presented, confirming SEAT new trends. This year was also the 20th anniversary of the Ibiza, with over 3.3 million units produced. Furthermore, the Ibiza model range is extended with two new sporty versions: the FR, which appeared in January, and the Cupra, appearing in June with the most powerful Diesel in the range (160hp). The year ends by officially laying the first stone of the new corporate building to be located in the Martorell production facility. 2003 The year starts with changes and innovations as the SEAT Altea is born. The prototype of this key player is unveiled in Frankfurt's Motor Show (IAA) to which 582 million Euros are allocated for R&D and the adaptation of the production process. To quote Dr. Andreas Schleef the Altea marks the beginning of a new SEAT era. These new perspectives already proved significant in the evolution of the sales rate even in the traditionally more difficult markets such as the U.K. or Germany. These strong facts supported the integration of SEAT in the Audi Brand Group. A new position that allows a high level of synergy in R&D, Design and sales & distribution. 2002 SEAT joins Audi and Lamborghini in the Audi Brand Group, under the newly organised Volkswagen Group. Dr. Andreas Schleef appointed President. Competitive Labour Agreement encourages younger employees to join SEAT and increase qualification levels. New Cordoba unveiled at the Paris Motor Show adding a family model to the new Ibiza design. SEAT makes a very successful comeback to racing circuits with the SEAT Leon Supercopa. 2001 New Ibiza exhibited the Bologna Motor Show - A new generation of the brand's most charismatic car. Presentation of the concept car - the SEAT Tango. Presentation of the new, high-performance Leon Cupra R prototype, developed by SEAT Sport. The Toledo returns to the Martorell assembly line after production is transferred from Brussels. Euro implemented as company's official internal currency. 2000 Salsa concept car presented. Marks an innovative styling for SEAT's new product image. SEAT celebrates its 50th Anniversary. His Majesty King Juan Carlos I receives the company's management. The Prince of Asturias visits the Martorell facility. The Technical Centre celebrates its 25th birthday.