en:company:History:1980 COM/EN

SEAT gets sporty

1980s

The future is now. The Ibiza makes its mark on the compact city car market, and Volkswagen becomes part of the family.

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1980

The colourful yet practical SEAT Panda quickly becomes Spain’s most stylish utilitarian vehicle, and a new generation gets going.

1982

Volkswagen joins our family, and the SEAT Fura’s sporty cousin, the Fura Crono, sparks the creation of the Copa Fura competition.

1983

With the SEAT Ronda, official exports begin. The SEAT Panda evolves into the SEAT Marbella, appealing to the youth market.

1984

The charismatic SEAT Ibiza is here. Italian design, German engineering and a Spanish spirit. A modern revolution.

1985

The SEAT Malaga gets rolling. The family-friendly saloon tops the SEAT range by the late 80s. And SEAT Sport is founded.

1986

Volkswagen takes on 75% of SEAT. Our two companies come together to create fresh new thinking and cutting-edge designs.

1989

Construction starts on the Martorell plant, our new home and source of inspiration in Barcelona.