Santana

Year of foundation 1955-2011

Early Years and Collaboration with Land Rover (1955-1980)

1955: The company was founded in Linares, Spain, under the name Metalúrgica de Santa Ana, S.A., with the aim of producing agricultural machinery.

1958: A licensing agreement was signed with the British automobile manufacturer Land Rover. The goal was to assemble Land Rover vehicles in Spain for the domestic market and for export to specific markets, primarily South America and North Africa.

1961: The company officially began producing off-road vehicles, selling them under the Land Rover Santana name.

1960s and 1970s: Under the Land Rover license, Santana produced various versions of the "Series II," "Series IIa," and "Series III" of the famous British off-road vehicle. It also specialized in specific models for the Spanish market and the military, such as the Santana "Ligero."

The period of independence and the relationship with Suzuki (1980-2007)
1981: The company changes its name to Land Rover Santana, S.A.

1983: The collaboration with Land Rover ends. Santana begins producing independent models based on previous designs, but under its own name. The Santana 2500 series is an example of this transition, an evolution of the Land Rover Series III.

1985: A new partnership is established, this time with the Japanese company Suzuki. Santana begins producing Suzuki's compact off-road vehicles under license, such as the Suzuki Samurai and later the Suzuki Vitara, marketing them in Europe under the Santana name.

1990s: The collaboration with Suzuki strengthens, with the Japanese manufacturer acquiring a majority stake in Santana Motor. During this period, the company focused primarily on the production of Suzuki-licensed models, such as the famous Santana 300 and 350.

Decline and End (2007-2011)
2007: The relationship with Suzuki ended. Santana Motor sought new alliances to survive. An agreement was reached with the Italian manufacturer Iveco for the production of two new models: the Iveco Massif and the new-generation Iveco Campagnola. Both vehicles were based on the Santana PS-10 Anibal chassis (itself a descendant of the old Land Rovers).

2011: After years of financial difficulties and limited production, the Andalusian regional government, which had acquired control of the company, ordered its liquidation. The Linares plant was closed, and production ceased permanently.

In short, the history of Santana Motor spans from the licensed production of Land Rover agricultural and off-road machinery, to an alliance with Suzuki to produce compact vehicles, and finally a final attempt with Iveco before its definitive closure. The company has played a significant role in the off-road market in Spain and other countries, while always remaining tied to its origins as a licensed manufacturer.