The Seat success story continues in 2007

Seat is continuing to increase its UK sales, with a fantastic first quarter performance sustaining the momentum of 2006. Last year, the Spanish brand’s sales increased from 28,431 (in 2005) to 32,839, in a market down by 3.9%.

The 9.16% increase in SEAT sales so far this year outstrips the overall performance of the new car market, which climbed by 2.88% (source: SMMT). Looking at March in isolation, the brand performed very strongly, selling 17.15% more vehicles than in the same month in 2006.

SEAT, whose brand values are ‘Sporty’, ‘Design-driven’ and ‘Lively’, has many market segments covered with its Ibiza, Leon, Altea, Altea XL, Toledo and Alhambra models. Clearly, their combination of sporty driving dynamics, distinctive, stand-out styling and a fun, youthful image is finding favour with increasing numbers of buyers – both private and fleet.

And both types of customers also appreciate the highly competitive whole life costs of SEAT’s product range, thanks to strong residual values, low insurance groups and sophisticated engines that return impressive fuel economy.

Mark McKenna, Head of Operations at SEAT UK, said: ‘SEAT’s sales performance so far this year is very encouraging, with strong performances across the model range in both retail and fleet markets. The broad appeal of the range is proving really attractive to car buyers.’

He added: ‘What’s more, the arrival of DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) versions of the dynamic Leon and Altea FR, as well as the flagship 240 PS Leon Cupra, have given SEAT’s sporty range a further boost for 2007.’