As part of the principles comprised in our Environmental Policy, SEAT maintains an integrated vision regarding environmental management. This means we have a long term, global perception of cars and their use, which extends beyond the production process. In this integrated vision of environmental management we carefully consider each one of our products' life cycle, from its initial development to the vehicle's final disposal:

* In the design and development stage, by creating more energy efficient vehicles.

* Within the production process, in which we control and minimise after effects, a responsibility that we likewise require from our suppliers, and is also applied to our logistical operations.

* Our sales centres and Service Network promote the implementation of environment-friendly practices.

* We have implemented "end-of-life" vehicle management, to encourage reuse and valuation.

SEAT VEHICLES

SEAT offers its customers quality products whose design and sporty character combine advanced safety measures and comfort elements. Our company confronts the challenge of satisfying these requirements, which may appear to go against our environmental criteria, by designing and developing vehicles with the most advanced technologies.

As vehicles' weight increases, a factor directly affecting the consumer market, we try to incorporate more safety and comfort features. Our aim is to provide the maximum quality and satisfy consumers' needs without increasing the weight. To achieve this, we use lighter materials with high recycling capacity. Some examples of this progressive evolution of materials is the use of alloys, in vehicle parts such as the engine and pistons, or magnesium, used to produce the gearbox casings for the Leon and Toledo engines.

The aerodynamic improvement of the SEAT models contributes to the substantial reduction of fuel consumption, as a speed of 100km per hour means that 70% of the propulsion energy is consumed to overcome wind resistance. By implementing new technologies we are able to improve design even before the actual model exists. The introduction of more efficient engines with TDI and FSI technologies also contribute to reduce fuel consumption, since by increasing engine efficiency, the energy loss is reduced in the form of heat and mechanical friction.

RECYCLING ABILITY

Our products comply with the existing requirements for recycling materials, by applying the principle of "prevention before reduction, reduction before re-use, and re-use before recycling".

SEAT has incorporated a special requirement in its design process by introducing recyclable systems and materials, in the following areas:

* Development of joint and tuning systems that simplify the dismantling of different components in order to facilitate recycling of vehicle.

* Careful selection of materials in order to avoid using those that are not environmentally friendly and to produce parts that are easy to recycle.

* Modular building process (functional integration) to speed up recycling process.

* Marking materials of different parts to facilitate separation for subsequent recycling.

* The use of recycled materials whenever possible and adhering to quality criteria

The dismantling research studies conducted in all SEAT models provide valuable information which helps to continue improving our recycling practices.

END-OF-LIFE VEHICLES ARE STILL USEFUL

When a vehicle reaches the end of its life, it does not have become waste. In fact, most of its components can be re-used.

In order to provide dismantling companies with the necessary information to produce the least amount of environmental damage, SEAT and other manufacturers have created the International Dismantling Information System (IDIS). This database contains specific instructions for the most adequate and environmentally friendly treatment of each model, such disposal of fluids, oil, fuel, cooling liquid, etc.; and the dismantling of the main recyclable parts.

After the vehicle has been decontaminated and divided into parts, the compacting process begins. Once crushed, materials are divided into metal and non-metal, and the non-metallic will be subdivided for further recycling, if possible.

"END-OF-LIFE" VEHICLE DROP OFF LOCATIONS

"SEAT has a network of sites across the UK which will take back old SEAT vehicles for recycling, at no cost to the last owner.  We have appointed the company CarTakeBack.com to manage this network on our behalf.  To find your nearest take back point please call 0870 850 5303 or visit www.cartakeback.com"