SEAT is a relative newcomer compared with its big-name car-making rivals, having only been around since 1950. It was 10 years earlier that a group of Spanish companies and a Spanish bank got together to start a car company, but the advent of war put things on hold. Afterwards the Sociedad Espanola de Automoviles de Turisma (S.E.A.T) came into being in 1950. It partnered with Fiat to have largely similar product lines. This continued until 1982, when Fiat withdrew from the partnership. Later that year, SEAT entered an agreement with Volkswagen to build its Passat saloon locally. VW became the major shareholder in SEAT in 1986, then took over completely in 1990.
Since then the brand has proved robust, and is synonymous with motorsport in many forms, including touring cars and rallying. At Haynes, we have an extensive range of SEAT repair manuals and online procedures available for professional mechanics and DIY car enthusiasts alike. We can give you all the guidance you need.