SEAT is a Spanish automaker established on 9 May 1950 by the National Institute of Industry, Spanish banks and Fiat, which contributed technology and licences. Its first factory was in Barcelona’s Zona Franca, where production of the SEAT 1400 began in 1953. The company played a role in post-war Spain’s motorisation and, after Fiat withdrew, developed its own models such as the Ibiza before Volkswagen acquired a majority stake in 1986.