Biggest Spanish Car Brands
When we think of European car makes, we might first think of the high-end luxury brands such as Ferrari and Alfa Romeo in Italy. We might even consider the peak-performance cars such as Porsche or Audi from Germany. Spain may not be the first country you think of when you think of European car manufacturers, but Spain has some incredible motors. Some brands you will know, others you may not. The reputation of motoring in Spain leans toward the utilitarian and practical, but many smaller car manufacturers are making high-performance vehicles to compete with the best of any other country.
At oneHOWTO, we share the 10 biggest Spanish car brands. This car makes from Spain have both national and international recognition, so you can see how many you knew already wherever you are from.
SEAT
SEAT is a Spanish car brand founded by the Instituto Nacional de Industria (INI) on the 9th May 1950. They did so in collaboration with the Italian car manufacturer FIAT. Its headquarters are in Martorell in the province of Barcelona. The brand was created with the aim of motorizing the entire country, seeking to overcome the ravages of both the Civil War and the Second World War.
Its first model appeared in 1953 under the name SEAT 1400, but the mark that really propelled the brand to fame was the SEAT 600 which was launched in 1957. This model symbolized the economic progress and mobility of Spain in the 1960s.
The Volkswagen Group acquired SEAT in 1986, allowing the brand to expand its international presence and modernize its production line. SEAT has continued to innovate, launching iconic models such as the Leon and the Ibiza. It has become a key pillar of the automotive industry in Spain and Europe. Although brands from other countries manufacture in Spain, SEAT is the largest mass production car company of its own models in the country.
Spania GTA
Founded by Domingo Ochoa in 1994, this brand began manufacturing components and participating in motor racing competitions. In 2008, Spania GTA decided to branch out and manufacture high-performance sports cars. They are a Spanish car brans which stands out for its technology and innovation. GTA Motor is based in Valencia and has established itself as a benchmark in the supercar sector, bucking the trend for more utilitarian vehicles in Spain.
Tauro Sport Auto
Founded in Valladolid in 2010, this is a Spanish car brand dedicated to luxury sports cars. A group of Spanish and British businessmen created this company with the aim of combining artisanal design with high performance.
Tauro Sport Auto stands out for its exclusive and limited production, focused on quality and customization. Its most representative model is the Tauro V8 Spider, a sports car with a V8 engine which was made by the General Motors company in the US. It offers an exciting driving experience, with a sophisticated and elegant design that reflects the passion for luxury motoring.
Hispano-Suiza
This is a legendary Spanish car brand founded in 1904. In its early days, it specialized in the manufacture of aeronautical engines and luxury automobiles. After several years of inactivity, Hispano-Suiza re-emerged in the 21st century with new models that serve to pay homage to its rich heritage.
Tramontana
Founded in Catalonia in 2005, this luxury sports car brand is known for its exclusivity and unique design that is inspired by fighter jets and Formula 1 cars. Tramontana focuses on manufacturing tailor-made vehicles, offering a unique driving experience with two-seater sports cars and a linear seating arrangement.
Uro
While they may be known for trucks more than cars, this brand of Galician origin is perhaps the definition of ‘utilitarian’. Founded in Santiago de Compostela in 1981, Uro a specialist in the manufacture of all-terrain vehicles and other specialized vehicles, designed primarily for military, emergency and industrial uses.
Uro has gained popularity for its versatility, robustness and the ability of its vehicles to operate in extreme conditions. This has allowed it to have clients such as the Spanish armed forces, as well as other military and security bodies.
Cupra
While they do not make as many cars as their parent company, the Cupra car manufacturer is one of the biggest in Spain. A sub-brand of SEAT, it was created in 2018 to offer sportier, premium vehicles with a wide range of equipment options that are different from those in the SEAT range. Cupra offers a different proposition, but still the great build quality and globally recognized performance of its parent company.
Abadal
Abadal was a Spanish car brand that marketed its models under the Abadal and Abadal-Buick brands between 1912 and 1929. It did so during two stages, the first being made with Impéria engines and the second with Buick engines. Its vehicles were considered luxurious and fast, with a design similar to that of the Hispano-Suiza brand. There were two models. One had a 4-cylinder and 3104 cm3 engine. The other had a 6-cylinder and 4521 cm3 engine.
Hurtan
Hurtan is a Spanish car brand based in Granada. It offers vehicles which have the style of classic cars, but without the inconveniences of some traditional models. It is dedicated to manufacturing vehicles with a look from the 50s and 60s, but using current car technology. For example, they have air conditioning and power steering, equipment that did not exist during the days of the classic car.
Comarth
Based in Murcia, Comarth gained popularity with such spectacular cars as the Xtamy or the S1. Nowadays, its policy has been directed towards electric cars, a sector in which they have also managed to bring excitement as demonstrated by the Cross Rider model.
Now that you know the biggest Spanish car brands and makes, you may want to read more with our articles on how you jumpstart an automatic car and when do I change my car's suspension?
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