Editorial: El Mundo

• Volkswagen group might close the Seat brand by 2030, causing concern at the Martorell factory.
• No final decision has been made yet but the outlook for the Spanish brand does not look positive.
• There is a high level of uncertainty and it seems that Seat is not among Volkswagen group's priorities, to which it joined in 1986.
• Volkswagen faces the crisis that the European automotive industry is going through, threatened by Chinese manufacturers.
• The automotive sector, crucial for the German economy, is facing severe transformation. Berlin and the EU have responded too late and insufficiently.
• Overconfidence in past successes and over-regulation has slowed down the conversion to electric and digital vehicles, an area in which China is leading.
• In Spain, the automotive industry depends on foreign companies. Public authorities have an obligation to protect this activity essential for thousands of families.

Conclusion: It is crucial for European countries to foster innovation and industry in order to retain their competitiveness and initiative.

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