The 5th edition of the Forum of the Spanish Association of Car and Truck Manufacturers (ANFAC) was held in Madrid on February 20, 2025. The Forum was attended by Jordi Hereu, Spanish Minister of Industry and Tourism, José López-Tafall, ANFAC Director General, and Arancha González Laya, former Spanish Foreign Minister.
In his speech, the Spanish Minister of Industry and Tourism, Jordi Hereu, announced the re-introduction of the MOVES III plans aimed at increasing the sustainability of the automotive sector, emphasizing that the automotive sector is still a priority for the Spanish government, as it is for all European states, and that “without the support of a stronger industry, the European social model cannot be defended”.
The goal is for Spain to become an electromobility hub for the whole of Europe
José López-Tafall, Director General of ANFAC, discussed the milestones and challenges facing the Spanish automotive industry in 2025. He stated that it is important to promote electric vehicles, otherwise production facilities will be affected by fines, layoffs and loss of investment, which are important for the development of the sector. He added that it is important to make the benefits of electric vehicles attractive to consumers and to increase the number of public charging points. Lopéz-Tafall stressed that ANFAC's goal is for Spain to become the electromobility hub for the whole of Europe, but in order to achieve this, it needs a long-term vision and a plan to ensure that it continues to be a strong and competitive sector.
In her closing remarks, Arancha González Laya, former Spanish Foreign Minister, said that the automotive sector is a building block of Europe's strategic autonomy. The EU needs to find a new balance between sustainability, competitiveness and security that will allow the sector to continue to contribute to growth, jobs and innovation in Europe.
The final speeches of the ANFAC Forum highlighted the strategic importance of the automotive sector for Europe and emphasized the need for governments and industry to act together as we move towards the future. From sustainability issues such as decarbonization to increasing sectoral power, the speakers reiterated how important it is to act together at every step.
Spain is one of the most important automotive production centers in Europe, home to both domestic and international car companies. Below you can find a brief list of the main car brands with a long history in Spain or with important production facilities here:
Domestic car brands in Spain
SEAT
Founded in 1950, SEAT is Spain's largest domestic automobile manufacturer. Operating under the Volkswagen Group, the brand stands out with its wide product range and innovative designs.
CUPRA:
CUPRA, which initially emerged as the performance arm of SEAT, has positioned itself as an independent brand in recent years, attracting attention with its sporty and dynamic models.
Hispano-Suiza:
With historical roots dating back to the 20th century, this brand is known for luxury cars and innovative technologies. Today, it is characterized by limited production models revitalized with modern design and advanced technology.
Arrinera:
A newer generation of sports car manufacturer, Arrinera has made a name for itself with high-performance and original designs.
GTA Motor:
Particularly known for its high-performance sports cars, GTA Motor attracts sports car enthusiasts with its technical innovations and impressive designs.
Production facilities of international brands in Spain
Spain is home to the production facilities of many international automobile companies, not only domestic brands. These companies include:
Renault, Peugeot, Citroën: These French brands offer a significant amount of products to the European market with their extensive production infrastructure in Spain.
Ford, Opel, Volkswagen: The global automotive giants maintain their competitive position in regional and international markets by manufacturing in modern facilities in Spain.
Nissan, Mercedes-Benz: These brands have also increased their production capacities by investing in Spain.
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