The Volkswagen Group Supervisory Board is meeting in Wolfsburg on Friday 13th November 2026 to discuss the future of its manufacturing operations, as Seat campaigns to secure a second electric vehicle production platform for its Martorell factory near Barcelona.
According to sources familiar with internal discussions, Seat aims to attract the Cupra Terramar to Martorell, a move that would help safeguard the plant's long-term viability. The factory currently produces only compact electric models, the Cupra Raval and Volkswagen ID. Polo, and Seat officials stress the need for larger, more profitable vehicles to ensure sustainability beyond 2030.
Seat has not confirmed negotiations directly but stated that it is working to bring a second production platform to the Catalan facility. An official spokesperson said no decision has been made by the Volkswagen Group, with an announcement expected in 2027.
Restructuring Amid Global Pressure
The board meeting follows the September 2026 approval of Volkswagen’s Future Plan 2030, a sweeping transformation strategy aimed at improving competitiveness against rising Chinese automotive brands. The plan includes cutting 100,000 jobs globally by 2030, halving the product portfolio, and reducing production capacity.
Four German factories, in Emden, Hanover, Zwickau, and Audi’s plant in Neckarsulm, face an uncertain future. The Zwickau facility currently produces the Audi Q4 e-tron, another model Seat is evaluating for potential transfer to Martorell around 2032.
“Given the marked deterioration of the economic situation, Volkswagen's objective is to reduce labor costs as quickly as possible,” the company stated in October 2026.
Trade unions have warned of a potential labour conflict “greater than any other this group has ever experienced” if current employment agreements are terminated. Talks are set to begin at the Emden plant on 24th November 2026.
Seat’s Long-Term Uncertainty
The future of the Seat brand itself remains unclear beyond 2030. While no final decision has been made, the Volkswagen Group has indicated that investment in Seat will depend on evolving European emissions regulations. CEO Markus Haupt acknowledged in October 2026 that one scenario involves phasing out the brand, though he emphasised ongoing investment, including mild-hybrid upgrades for the Ibiza and Arona next year.
“The Seat brand has grown share in some markets, so the brand is strong,” Haupt said. “We keep investing in Seat.”
The Martorell plant received a €1 billion investment to produce B-segment electric vehicles alongside the Navarra factory. However, without new models to replace the ageing Arona and Ibiza, the site’s workload could shrink significantly in the coming decade.
Sources: El País, volkswagen-group.com, autocar.co.uk.
