This comes as a surprise to many - even in Spain itself sometimes. I believe that right now it is Europe's second-biggest auto manufacturer, behind Germany (of course), but ahead of France and Italy, larger countries more traditionally associated with carmaking.

Although its only native marque, SEAT, has long since been part of the VW group, and is scheduled to be retired completely in the medium term.

But the jobs and volume remain in the sector, having initially attracted numerous foreign makers who set up factories here in past decades, attracted by cheaper labour.