VW’s SEAT will launch 2 electric and 4 plug-in hybrid cars by 2021

Volkswagen subsidiary SEAT plans to offer four plug-in hybrids and two all-electric models from 2021 onwards, the Spanish brand has announced.

The announcement, which took place at Seat’s headquarters in Martorell on Wednesday, will elevate Seat’s role in the German auto company, and clarify its role in electric mobility.

As part of the plan to create 6 new electrified vehicles, 300 engineers will develop a slimmed down version of the VW modular electric drivetrain known as MEB, which Seat hopes will enable it to offer an electric car for an entry price of less than 20,000 euros ($A31,800 at today’s rates).

“Seat now has a clearer role in the Volkswagen Group, and thanks to the results obtained, we have earned the new electric vehicle platform, said Seat chief Luca de Meo at the event.

“For the first time, the Seat Technical Centre will be developing a platform that may be used by more brands around the globe.”

The elevated role for Seat follows a record year for the fast-growing Spanish brand, which reported 294 million euros ($A467 million) in profits for 2018, a 4.6% increase from the previous year.

“Seat is playing a new role within the Volkswagen Group taking on even more responsibility,” said VW chief Herbet Diess at the event.

“Tthe small electric platform project is a great step towards an even more affordable electric mobility. Seat will realize the first electric vehicle that is especially designed for urban journeys.”

The first fully-electric Seat models planned are an electric version of the Mii hatchback and the el-Born, which was presented at the 2019 Geneva Auto Show.

Seat is also planning plug-in hybrid versions of the Leon and the Tarraco, as well as the Cupra Leon and the Cupra Formentor CUV which was also recently presented at the Geneva Motor Show.

The 6 vehicles will go towards 70 electrified vehicle models planned by Volkswagen AG by 2030, a goal that the German automaker increased from 50 only weeks ago and for which it is investing €30 billion ($A48 billion).

In total, the group, which includes powerhouse auto brands such as VW, Audi and Porsche, wants to sell 22 million electric cars by 2030.