JAC Volkswagen Automotive partners Volkswagen Group China and Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group Corp have formed a new collaboration with SEAT.
Since the creation of the joint venture in 2017, the Spanish auto maker has contributed its expertise in both design and R&D. Under the agreement, SEAT becomes a shareholder of JAC Volkswagen, which will see new SEAT cars introduced to the Chinese market from 2020.
Luca de Meo, president at SEAT, said, “Our participation in this new phase of the joint venture is a milestone for SEAT. Today will be remembered in the history of the company, as we are entering a new era that will enable us to globalize the brand and boost the development of electric vehicles.
“China offers many opportunities for SEAT and we are going to contribute mobility solutions to suit the needs of customers. This is also a chance for us to learn from the future trends that are developing in China.”
As part of the collaboration, SEAT, Volkswagen Group China and JAC also plan to establish an R&D center in China to develop electric vehicles, a new BEV platform, and connected and autonomous driving technologies, with introduction planned for 2021.