Discover how Spain’s historic brand Santana Motors is back, launching Chinese‑sourced pickups and a new hybrid model. Learn more now!
Santana Motors, a name that first appeared in the 1950s, is making a striking comeback in Europe. After a decade‑long hiatus, the Spanish automaker has restarted production by assembling Chinese‑designed vehicles and is soon set to roll out a new hybrid model.
From Land Rover Licence to Independent Models
Founded in the early 1950s, Santana initially built Land Rover‑based vehicles under licence, exporting them across Europe, Africa and South America. By the 1980s it began developing its own line‑up and, five years later, entered a partnership with Suzuki that produced the locally‑badged Jimny and other off‑road models.
Financial Turbulence and a Long Pause
During the late 1990s and early 2000s, the company struggled financially and was placed under a rescue administration. The effort failed, and Santana halted production entirely in 2011.
Relaunch Powered by Chinese Partners
Production restarted at the Linares plant, where Santana now assembles two pickup variants— the 400D diesel and the 400 PHEV plug‑in hybrid—both derived from the Dongfeng/Zhengzhou Nissan Z9 platform.
New Pickup Specs at a Glance
- 400D Diesel: 2.3‑litre diesel engine, 188 hp, 500 Nm torque, 6‑speed manual or 8‑speed automatic.
- 400 PHEV: 1.5 L gasoline engine + electric motor, 422 hp combined, 800 Nm torque, 32 kWh battery.
- 0‑100 km/h in 9.1 seconds (diesel) or 6.5 seconds (hybrid).
- Top speed 170 km/h for both models.
- Maximum payload 815 kg; trailer‑towing capacity 3,200 kg.
Hybrid Features That Impress
The plug‑in hybrid can travel up to 120 km on electric power alone and boasts a total range of 1,046 km. It comes with all‑wheel drive, a 6 kW on‑board charger, LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, a 10‑inch digital instrument cluster, a 14.6‑inch infotainment screen, leather‑look heated‑ventilated seats, dual‑zone climate control, a six‑speaker audio system, and 50 W wireless phone charging.
Advanced Driver‑Assist Suite
Standard safety tech includes adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, traffic jam assist, lane‑keeping assist, and traffic‑sign recognition. The “S” trim adds highway‑plus assistance, front‑and‑rear collision warning/braking, blind‑spot detection, and lane‑change assist.
Pricing and Market Position
Pricing starts at €29,900 (≈ $35,100) for the hybrid and €44,700 (≈ $52,500) for the diesel version. For comparison, the base Ford Ranger Double Cab in Spain starts at €31,050 (≈ $36,500), putting Santana’s pickups in a competitive slot.
Strategic Deal with BAIC
Alongside the launch, Santana announced a strategic agreement with Chinese manufacturer BAIC. Under the deal, BAIC will supply semi‑knocked‑down (SKD) kits that Santana will assemble in Spain. The partnership will initially expand the pickup range and later introduce a passenger‑focused SUV line‑up slated for 2026‑2028.
Future Outlook
While the current models are essentially rebadged versions of existing Chinese vehicles, the BAIC pact includes joint development of new platforms with distinct Santana styling. The goal is to blend Spanish heritage with modern Chinese engineering to create uniquely positioned products for the European market.
Conclusion
Santana Motors’ resurgence demonstrates how historic brands can leverage international collaborations to re‑enter competitive markets. With a solid lineup of capable pickups and an ambitious hybrid, the revived Spanish maker is set to challenge established players and offer buyers fresh, affordable options.