“We know that our biggest allies or tools are emerging digital technologies”
MARKUS HAUPT,EVP FOR PRODUCTION AND LOGISTICS, SEAT electrification. We know it’s the future and we like to say there is no plan B for us.”
SEAT has pursued exactly this with the ‘CASA SEAT Declaration for the promotion of electric mobility in Spain,’ a joint agreement between the manufacturer, The Spanish Government and the Autonomous Communities of Catalonia, Comunitat Valenciana and Navarre to boost electric mobility.
In alignment with this, Markus believes the biggest responsibility SEAT has as an OEM, along with national governments, is to find a common way to incentivise EV production and purchases with aid and tax reductions, while fighting to establish vital infrastructure.
The commitment looks to address the common challenges with EV adoption – range anxiety, cost and charging infrastructure – that remain prominent across Europe, but particularly in Spain.
“We want to make the electrical experience a nice and positive reality for our customers,” he says.
“Looking at new technologies and digitalisation are key for us as manufacturers, but not only in the productive and manufacturing process, but also across other company processes.”
“In Spain, it’s even a bigger problem than in other countries in Europe,” Markus goes on.
“For example, the northern countries are much more developed on that
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THE MANUFACTURING INTERVIEW
AN EV CHAMPION – INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE OFFICE
Markus’ favourite car is the CUPRA Tavascan, a fully-electric SUV coupé with a sporty, relaxed design.
“When I go back and sit down in my Tavascan,” he explains, “it’s the driving experience, it’s the silence, lots of power, lots of comfort.
“Also, I think the design is the most remarkable Cupra, it’s really lovely.
“And it’s not just me. My family, my kids, when they go back to Tavascan, they say, ‘oh, lots of space here. It’s nice and well lit’. It’s very modern looking. I think we are hitting exactly what we wanted with that car.
“As you can imagine, I’m a lucky guy. I have the opportunity to drive all our cars, testing them sometimes.”
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