06:16 20-11-2025

Markus Haupt takes SEAT-Cupra helm as Cupra Raval and MEB Entry city EVs move to production

Markus Haupt has officially taken the helm at SEAT-Cupra after six months as interim chief. The timing looks deliberate: the appointment lands just as the brands prepare a lineup of affordable city EVs on the MEB Entry platform. Production in Barcelona will cover the Cupra Raval, Skoda Epiq, VW ID Polo and ID Cross. The project involves £8.7 billion in investment, the largest industrial commitment in Spain.

The Cupra Raval will be the brand’s seventh model and keep its sporting edge with a lower chassis, sharper steering and a reworked suspension. Haupt also confirmed plans to broaden the range, including a production version of the Tindaya concept on the SSP platform, aimed at the Middle East, Turkey and Mexico. Judging by the setup, the Raval is not about to blunt the brand’s character.

SEAT stays firmly in the plan: refreshed Ibiza and Arona models are on the way. Haupt noted that the two marques speak to different audiences and complement one another—a pragmatic split that helps cover more ground without stepping on each other’s toes.