Just how long can the Volkswagen Group hold off making a decision on what to do with its problem child Seat, unprofitable once again, consequently last in the queue for semiconductors and seemingly forgotten in the rush to develop EVs?

The VW Group acquired Seat in 1986 and has now spent decades trying – and failing – to find a course that can deliver Seat sustainable profits, pursuing everything from producing value-focused models to marketing a sportier, more youthful outlook.

Just a few years ago, it appeared the recipe of slavishly using VW underpinnings and mixing them with powerful marketing might work.