A novel multivariate empirical model predictive control strategy (LV-MPC) for trajectory tracking and disturbance rejection for batch processes is presented. The strategy is based on dynamic principal component analysis (PCA) models of the batch process. The solution to the control problem is computed in the low dimensional latent variable space of the PCA model. The trajectories of all variables over the future horizon are then computed from the latent variable solution of the controller. The excellent control performance and the modest closed-loop data requirements for identification are illustrated for the temperature tracking in simulations of an emulsion polymerization process, an exothermic chemical reaction system and for MIMO temperature and pressure tracking in a nylon polymerization autoclave. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.