Seat powers ahead with sales up by 15.5%

It’s always a great achievement for any car maker to increase sales and market share – but especially so when the majority of other manufacturers’ results have done just the opposite.

This is exactly what SEAT has accomplished, posting a significant 15.5% increase in sales during 2006, while boosting its market share from 1.17% to 1.4%. Meanwhile, the overall UK new car market has fallen by 3.9%.

Total SEAT registrations for the year came to 32,839, compared with 28,431 in 2005 (source: SMMT). The brand’s 1.4% share of the UK market is its highest achieved to date, and reflects the increasing popularity of its sporty and design-led models.

Joint biggest sellers in the range were the Ibiza and Leon, with sales of 12,692 and 12,477 respectively. The Leon in particular has had a storming year, with sales up by 42% compared with the previous year. The practical and striking Altea has also enjoyed a strong year, with sales up by 29% to 4,901. The arrival of the stylish Altea XL this month will boost its popularity still further, offering even more space for the money.

Commenting on SEAT UK’s sales performance, Peter Wyhinny, Director of SEAT UK, said: ‘The reasons for SEAT’s success last year are simple: we offer a range of stylish, distinctive, dynamic and high-quality models with very competitive whole-life costs. These strengths are not being overlooked by car buyers, with increasing numbers adding the brand to their shopping lists.’

He added: ‘It’s particularly encouraging to post a record market share figure and increased sales in such a tough market environment. Couple these results to the arrival of the new Leon Cupra and Altea XL this year, and it sets the scene for what we expect to be a similarly successful 2007.’