The Mobile World Congress (MWC) kicks off in
Barcelona later this month and SEAT is once again using the technology show to
introduce a new concept. Set to be unveiled on February 25th, the mysterious model is being
described as a car developed as a “mobility platform.” The company also said
the concept is an important part of their “urban micromobility strategy.”
That’s not much to go on, but the teaser image
suggests the concept will have a distinctive front fascia that is unlike
anything else in the SEAT lineup. As you can see, it will have slender
headlights and a triangular grille that looks like it was plucked from Tony
Stark’s chest. The grille has a small illuminated triangle in the center as
well as an illuminated outer triangle with three dimensional accents.
SEAT President Luca de Meo was coy on details, but
said “Mobility is changing, and our role as a manufacturer and provider of
mobility is changing with it.” He added, “We must be able to manage and offer
new mobility platforms that will be the key players in cities of the future.” These statements could suggest
the concept is intended for use as part of a ride-hailing or ride-sharing
service, but nothing is official as of yet.
Regardless, the concept won’t be the only thing on
display in Barcelona. SEAT will also use the show to highlight their
partnership with Telefónica to launch a “5G Connected Car” pilot program. It is
designed to showcase how next-generation mobile connectivity can allow cars to
communicate with surrounding infrastructure and other vehicles.
SEAT will also provide an update on two other
projects known as the ride-sharing initiative and the Bus on Demand project.
The latter aims to “enhance the efficiency of public transport,” while the
former connects drivers travelling on similar routes so they can potentially
travel together. SEAT said both projects will advance to their second phase
later this year and will be available in Barcelona.