CNG saving Seat from faltering diesel sales

Seat's CEO, Luca de Meo, asked by Automobilwoche of Germany about the future of natural gas as motor fuel, said he believes methane has large untapped potential, particularly as an alternative to diesel. The brand's current CNG lineup consists of Mii and Leon models, with Ibiza scheduled to join them later in 2017. Also the upcoming Arona small crossover has been announced to benefit from a methane option, but not before 2018.

We must offer our customers a reasonable solution. Diesel is still subject to debate and we definitely must seek alternatives, even though Seat is less dependent on sales of diesel-powered cars than premium manufacturers. We have to monitor market dynamics and changes the market undergoes, especially in terms of regulations regarding large cities. For instance, if the mayor of Barcelona decides to ban Euro-6-compliant diesel cars from the city centre, our customers will no longer buy cars featuring compression ignition engines.

Luca de Meo, Seat CEO