Seat celebrates a cluster of September successes

Upwardly-mobile Spanish brand SEAT is cracking open the Cava as it toasts an impressive collection of sales successes across its UK business.

Exceptionally strong figures from its new car, used car and fleet and business operations have helped SEAT to a record September.

Official statistics from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show SEAT registered 5,628 new cars last month to notch up a 1.53% market share. This is up nearly 40% on the same month last year, and means the UK became SEAT’s largest export market last month overtaking traditionally big performers Germany, France and Italy in the process.

Strong September sales of the stylish Ibiza 5dr and Ibiza SC (2,728 cars), and revised Leon (1,986 cars) helped SEAT surge to its largest UK market share, year to date, for more than a decade. With three quarters of the year over, sales so far stand at 22,773 or 1.50% of the UK market.

Meanwhile, the Spanish manufacturer’s raft of new or recently revised models, including the luxurious Exeo saloon and practical Exeo ST estate, helped SEAT to a particularly strong fleet and business performance last month.

With registrations up a mighty 37% on the same month in 2008, SEAT’s fleet performance continues to shine under the leadership of the brand’s UK Head of Fleet and Business Sales, Nick Andrews.

He said: ‘The September success we’ve enjoyed is a testament to the hard work put in by each member of the SEAT UK Fleet and Business operation.

‘We’re a relatively new team, but I can see that with performances like this already under our belt we’re clearly moving in the right direction.’

The strong September sales surge was completed by SEAT UK’s Used Car operation, led by Used Car Manager David Ardern.

Following a series of record months for used car sales, September saw SEAT notch up another strong performance with used car stocks now running at record low levels as buyers vie for top quality, approved used SEATs nationwide.

Head of SEAT UK, Peter Wyhinny, is understandably pleased. He said: ‘The most satisfying aspect of these impressive September numbers is that the success has come across the board.

‘With a strong contribution from our aftersales and parts business, too, it’s clear that SEAT is firing on all cylinders!’