So, our spanish speaking friend (Anna) has read through the docs provided by Alan.
The story is that the Spanish SEAT built Betas were not CKD (Completely Knocked Down) kits similar to those sold to SA. These cars were assembled/built at the newly expanded SEAT plant using the same components that were used by Lancia Italy, so chassis/body sections were welded together just like the plant in Italy, SEAT were not supplied pre-assembled shells to simply attach parts to. It was treated like a satellite Lancia plant. There were technical experts from Lancia at the inception of the upgrade to the SEAT plant to assist with the modernisation and these Lancia technical experts stayed throughout the entire SEAT Beta production run, so they didn't just go back to Italy once SEAT were up and running!
A new production line technique was also intruduced for the first time where there where "Islands on the line", this is where a small team were specialised in specific tasks and took full responsibility for thier "Island". So loom installations, engine fitting, brakes, suspension, exhaust system, lighting, trim and interior all had small teams solely responsible for that task, this improved build quality to match the high standards set by Lancia.
Lancia took some of the SEAT built cars and ran numerous comparison tests with Lancia produced cars and the results were "extremely favourable" and Lancia Italy were said to be very pleased.
My thanks to our friend Anna - who is not a car buff in the slightest !
