(Fri 27 Nov 09)

SEAT is at the head of a new project to develop hybrid and electric cars in Spain. The scheme is called Proyecto Verde (Green Project) and is being funded by a grant worth around £36 million, supplied by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation and due to be paid out over a four-year period.

"The green light for the Proyecto Verde provides us with an opportunity to lay the technological foundations necessary for the development and manufacture of electric and hybrid vehicles in this country," says Frank Bekemeier, SEAT's Vice-President for Research and Development. "This project will give the Spanish automotive sector a major stimulus by providing a dynamic boost to the sector's technology."

SEAT is one of seventeen companies involved in Proyecto Verde, and sixteen universities and technological centres are also involved. The eventual result should be that SEAT - not previously known as a player in the field of hybrids and electric vehicles - will after all start marketing such things, though it probably won't be for a few years yet.

Comment on this story on Facebook or Twitter.

SEAT Gallery
SEAT Road Tests

Previous: Fiat And Alfa Romeo Service Plans                          Next: Skoda Superb Estate