CUPRA is here to stay

CUPRA President Wayne Griffiths kicked off the event by saying: “CUPRA has surprised everyone in these three years and has even continued to grow during the pandemic. These great results make us optimistic to push harder in 2021; this year we’re looking to double the sales volume of 2020 and reach a mix of 10% of the company’s total volume. Once all of our engines are on the market, we expect to far exceed our initial target of one billion euros in sales.”

Since its creation in 2018, CUPRA has exceeded all initial expectations by selling 65,000 units and growing at a double-digit rate. Following the launch of a new product range and with the introduction of its first uniquely developed model, the Formentor, CUPRA has accelerated its growth and in January 2021 became the fastest growing brand while also achieving its second consecutive monthly sales record.

Three strategic pillars in 2021

In order to achieve its goals for the current year, CUPRA’s strategy rests on three pillars: boosting the product range towards electrification; implementing a new distribution strategy to strengthen its global presence; and continue building the brand’s universe through new experiences.

Electrification will be the key to CUPRA’s growth in 2021. With all six hybrid variants of the CUPRA Leon and CUPRA Formentor on the market alongside the CUPRA Ateca, the brand aims to strengthen its presence in Europe and access the most electrified markets, such as Norway and the Netherlands. The brand’s goal is for 50% of the Formentor’s total sales to be plug-in hybrid versions. CUPRA also wants to expand its presence in international markets such as Mexico, Israel and Turkey.

To complete the range of eight powertrains of its first exclusive model, the company presented the CUPRA Formentor VZ5, a special limited edition with 390PS of which 7,000 units will be produced. Following its world premiere, Executive Vice-President for Research and Development Dr. Werner Tietz said: “The CUPRA Formentor VZ5 is the ultimate expression of combustion performance for car enthusiasts. With the VZ5 we achieved something that many people thought we couldn’t do. This car is our crown jewel and one of the best examples of the bridge between the racetrack and the road, a feat that our drivers Mattias Ekström and Jordi Gené have helped us to create.”

CUPRA Born: a new era begins

The launch of the CUPRA Born, the production model that is named after the trendy Barcelona district that inspired its creation, is set to be the impulse for the company’s transformation, according to Wayne Griffiths: “The CUPRA Born will be a game-changer in the electric market with its stimulating design and instantaneous performance. This vehicle will improve the company’s profitability and increase the brand’s contribution margin. In addition, the CUPRA Born will contribute to reducing global CO₂ emissions and meeting European targets. With this car we intend to contribute to the electrification of Spain and the world through its emotional sportiness, and we want the next generation of young challengers to be part of this transformation. That’s why this vehicle will also be offered under subscription contracts, based on a monthly fee that will include the use of the vehicle and other related services.”

To respond to the demands of the new generation of drivers and to ensure a more efficient and sustainable sales model for the brand, CUPRA’s second strategic pillar will be to implement a new distribution strategy. The launch of the CUPRA Born will entail the implementation of the agency model, a disruptive system that will reinforce the dealer network’s online presence. In addition, the brand aims to increase its high street visibility by opening City Garage Stores in central areas of major cities around the world. Following the opening of exclusive stores in Mexico City, Hamburg and Barcelona, CUPRA plans to open a new City Garage Store in Munich in the second half of this year.

With this new sales model, CUPRA aims to expand its global network to 800 outlets by the end of 2022. In addition, the company plans to increase its team of sales advisors to 1,000 CUPRA Masters, the face of the brand who centralise the relationship with the customer from the first point of contact through to the after-sales service.

With the new distribution strategy, the CUPRA Born will open the door to new international markets and increase the brand’s presence in the most electrified countries. With its 500-kilometer range and stylish design, the brand hopes to broaden its customer base and conquer those looking for the most advanced technology with minimal environmental impact, as some elements of the model will be made from recycled plastic materials. The CUPRA Born will go into production at the Zwickau plant in Germany starting in the second half of the year. Moreover, Wayne Griffiths announced at the end of the presentation that the brand is working to make the CUPRA Tavascan Electric Concept a reality.

To close the event in style, CUPRA unveiled the RPM  video teaser, a sci-fi TV production set in the year 2101, where emotions are forbidden and a group of rebels fight to awaken humanity. The teaser features leading actors such as Natalia Reyes, star of the latest Terminator, Spanish actor Eduard Fernández from the 30 Monedas series and Goya-nominated actress Juana Acosta. The announcement featured an appearance by Vince Gerardis, co-producer of Game of Thrones and the RPM  teaser alongside the Uria brothers and Daniel Posada from Infinito Studios.