The fifth Generation Ibiza gets a full reveal at Geneva - It comes as sales are growing strongly.

• The new model kick starts a very special year for SEAT – sales went up by 13.6% in the first two months
• The Leon CUPRACER Evo 17 and the new 300 hp SEAT Leon CUPRA also have their chance to shine at the Motorshow
• Instead of the usual press conference, SEAT hosts media using a new Press Talk format

SEAT’s global sales continue with their double digit growth. In February, the Spanish brand made another jump, with deliveries that reached 31,800 vehicles, which represents +10.8% versus the same month of 2016. In the year-to-date, sales grew by 13.6% reaching a total of 64,000 units.

The sales increase has been very solid in most of the brand’s major markets. In January and February, Spain ranked first in terms of deliveries, with 14,400 vehicles sold (+24.5%), ahead of Germany, where sales went up by 8.9% reaching 11,900 units and the United Kingdom (5,600; +21.3%). 

SEAT is also making very positive progress in Mexico (4,600; +9.5%), the brand’s fourth largest market, and in Italy (3,300; +15.8%).

“We are very satisfied with the sales evolution in the first two months of the year. We are growing at double digit rates for the brand as a whole and in our major markets, and our market share continues to go up. 

With the Ibiza we are presenting at the Geneva Motorshow and the new models in our product offensive, we are confident that we will sustain this momentum throughout the year” said SEAT Vice-President for Marketing and Sales Wayne Griffiths.

SEAT announced these figures at the Geneva Motorshow, a very special edition for the brand. Because above all, the fifth generation of the new SEAT Ibiza, the Spanish brand’s best-selling model with more than 5.4 million units sold, is taking centre stage.“SEAT is in a phase of consolidation and growth and we are working to become one of the most dynamic organisations in our industry” says Luca de Meo, president of SEAT. “The new SEAT Ibiza will make a great leap forward for the brand and it is called to set a turning point in the segment”.

And not only that, because this is another step forward in the biggest product offensive ever carried out by SEAT.  At the beginning came the launch of the first SUV of the brand, the Ateca, followed by the updated Leon. Now it’s the new Ibiza’s turn, completing the reinforcement of the three main pillars of the brand. 

New models are still yet to come, such as the compact crossover, the Arona.

By the end of the year, all new products will allow a substantial coverage increase in the European markets. In addition, the new range includes the Xcellence version as alternative to the current FR trim. 

The Xcellence trim has been created to reach new customers looking for a more sophisticated and distinctive design combined with more convenient and smart functional equipment.  

A decisive model

The fifth generation of the SEAT Ibiza has been developed in Barcelona and is a decisive step forward in the future of SEAT.  Firstly, because it demonstrates the Volkswagen Group’s latest technology, the MQB A0 platform (Modular Quer Baukasten) which shows the importance of the SEAT brand within the Volkswagen Group, as this new platform will be featured for the first time on this segment. And secondly, because it comes full to the brim with the most advanced technology, spectacular dynamism and a notable increase in interior space.

“The new SEAT Ibiza embraces SEAT’s design DNA and ensures a fantastic dynamic performance”, says Dr. Matthias Rabe, Vice-President of SEAT for Research and Development; “with the new modular MQB A0 platform the SEAT Ibiza rises to technologies from higher segments and in terms of comfort, it improves markedly its interior roominess and variability”.

It combines elegance and style, but never abandons its dynamic character. The new Ibiza is undoubtedly bringing about an increase in SEAT’s client base as well as improving the image of the brand, making it more aspirational thanks to its undoubtable qualities complete with a rounded, powerful design that ensures the car sits perfectly on the road.

In summary, the new SEAT Ibiza offers quality usually found in higher segments and is aimed at clients who not only know what they want and live with a young and dynamic spirit; but also at those that are looking for a more sophisticated touch that want the latest and most advanced technology at their fingertips in order to find simple solutions in their day to day lives.

The SEAT Leon CUPRA; the most powerful SEAT ever

The fastest legal street model that the Spanish brand has ever produced, the new SEAT Leon CUPRA, is displayed as well on SEAT stand. Although everyone will be talking about its 300 hp engine with 380 Nm of maximum torque, or about its acceleration from 0 to 100 kph in 4.9 seconds, it is worth noting above all else that the Leon CUPRA will come equipped with the 4Drive Total Traction system when combined with the family ST model and the double-clutch DSG. These improvements in power, torque and power delivery demonstrate an obvious step forward in terms of performance, and it also comes packed with the safety, connectivity and multimedia technology that the rest of the Leon range boasts.

Together with the 300 hp Leon CUPRA, there will be a spectacular model on show in grey matt on the exterior, carbon fibre on the interior and aesthetic details in copper both outside and in. Of course, we are talking about the new SEAT Leon CUPRACER Evo 17; the competition version destined to be fielded in the TCR International Series. Available in two versions - one with DSG and the other complete with manual sequential gearbox - the Leon CUPRACER Evo 17 comes with the same engine as the street version, but will put out 350 hp (20 more than the 2016 version) and 420 Nm of torque.

A new press talk format

On the SEAT stand, several Press Talks will be carried out throughout the day, with three topics for discussion given by different members of the board of directors at SEAT.

First up will be Luca de Meo, president of SEAT, who will deal with the current business situation and other corporate topics,  also featuring Wayne Griffiths, SEAT Executive Vice-President for Sales and Marketing, who will provide a commercial company overview. The next pair will consist of Dr. Matthias Rabe, SEAT Executive Vice-President for Research and Development and Dr. Andreas Tostmann, SEAT Executive Vice-President for Production who will hold a talk about the new Ibiza and the MQB A0 platform. On top of those, Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos, SEAT Design Director and Joaquin Serra, Director of Quality at SEAT: they will focus on SEAT distinctive way of designing and the importance of quality.

SEAT is the only company that designs, develops, manufactures and markets cars in Spain. A member of the Volkswagen Group, the multinational has its headquarters in Martorell (Barcelona), exporting more than 80% of its vehicles, and is present in over 75 countries.

SEAT Group employs more than 14,000 professionals at its three production centres – Barcelona, El Prat de Llobregat and Martorell, where it manufactures the highly successful Ibiza and Leon. Additionally, the company produces the Ateca and the Toledo in the Czech Republic, the Alhambra in Portugal and the Mii in Slovakia. 

The multinational has a Technical Centre, which operates as a knowledge hub that brings together 1,000 engineers who are focussed on developing innovation for Spain’s largest industrial investor in R&D. SEAT already features the latest connectivity technology in its vehicle range and is currently engaged in the company’s global digitisation process to promote the mobility of the future.

The SEAT Ateca has moved one step nearer to being named the 2017 UK Car Of The Year.

The Barcelona-based car brand’s first SUV has caused quite a stir since it launched last September, attracting plenty of plaudits, not to mention new homes and awards. 

Recognising the SEAT Ateca’s broad range of talents, the judges were quick to single out its rewarding driving experience and keen pricing, while among its glowing test reviews were, “Quite possibly the only family car you’ll ever need right now.” (Ollie Marriage, Top Gear magazine) and “For driver appeal, practicality and value, the Ateca is the new standard-setter in the crossover class.” (David Motton, Freelance Journalist).

The UK Car of the Year Awards are designed specifically for the UK car-buying public, highlighting and advising on the next new car on the market, with a rigorous judging process carried out on the same roads as a typical buyer. 

The judging panel comprises 27 experienced journalists, including some of the most respected names in motoring journalism, who cover all corners of the UK and often drive in excess of 300 cars per year.

As a result of its win, the SEAT Ateca will now progress to the final round of judging later this month, where it will take on 11 other category victors in a bid to secure the overall Car of the Year title.

The Seat Ateca takes it's first international award, the Best Buy car of Europe.

• AUTOBEST, with 31 countries represented in the jury, names SEAT Ateca as “Best Buy Car of Europe in 2017”

The Ateca has brought SEAT significant international acknowledgement as the “Best Buy Car of Europe in 2017” at the AUTOBEST 2017 awards, one of the most prestigious on the continent.

The award, the first major international title for the high-selling Ateca, is testament to the considerable efforts put into consolidating SEAT’s presence in one of the most important markets. It’s also ideal timing, as the Barcelona-based brand ramps up its largest ever product offensive. 

Ateca is already selling exceptionally, and is soon to be joined by three further model launches in the next 12 months: New Leon, reaching showrooms in early 2017, the fifth-generation of the Ibiza and the new SEAT Arona crossover, which will also be coming next year.

“Ateca is meant to create an inflection point for SEAT. We are entering a new segment with a product that offers an excellent mobility experience for our customers and truly represents our very DNA. Ateca is positively contributing to taking the brand to the next level. 

This award confirms that we are on the right track,” says Luca de Meo, SEAT President.

In its sixteenth edition, the AUTOBEST jury pinpointed several factors that make the Ateca stand out, principally; design, comfort, easy to drive, value for money and quality sales and service network.

After testing in Italy at the end of November, the Ateca was chosen as the winner over the four other finalists by a jury of specialised journalists representing 31 countries in the final vote of these influential European awards.

Dr. Matthias Rabe, SEAT Vice-president for Research and Development comments: “The SEAT Ateca perfectly combines design, comfort and technology. It is perfect for the urban jungle and its on- and off-road capabilities ensure a spectacular driving experience in all kind of journeys. That is why we truly believe that Ateca is set to become a reference in the segment.”

The Ateca, also leader in urban mobility

SEAT’s first compact SUV is currently exceeding all expectations and is a crucial model for the brand, not only because it has opened the door to one of the largest market growth segments, but because it is the vehicle the company aims to use in facing such important challenges as the future of urban mobility, which will require new solutions and technologies.

Wide range for all needs

The Ateca range’s versatility was one of the most highly rated factors by the AUTOBEST jurors. Its petrol turbo TSI and diesel turbo TDI engines offer between 115 PS and 190 PS, allied to manual or DSG-auto gearboxes, plus, the option of SEAT’s 4Drive four-wheel-drive system. The numerous options across the line-up include Full LED headlights, to a wide variety of driver assist systems, such as Traffic Jam Assist, and new Emergency Assist and Front Assist, plus, state-of-the-art infotainment with eight-inch touchscreens and Full Link connectivity.

SEAT details the future of the brand and it's model portfolio to the dealers from around the globe.

• The brand reveals the future models to importers and dealers
• More than 2,400 people from 59 countries attend the presentation 
• The Ateca takes the Internet by storm with 7.2 million visits to the SEAT website

SEAT has presented its strategy and future plans to its global dealer network, a roadmap inspired by the brand’s entry in a new segment with the Ateca. The meeting was held in the heart of Barcelona’s bustling harbour and was attended by over 2,400 participants from 59 countries, who learned all about the new models that the brand is going to launch in the months ahead.

SEAT President Luca de Meo announced the brand’s latest novelties to the entire commercial network. 

“The Ateca, together with the Leon and the Ibiza, will become SEAT’s third pillar, and make a very positive contribution to promoting the profitability of the company and the dealer network”, de Meo explained to the dealers. “With the Ateca, the company is launching a product offensive that will expand and strengthen the model lineup. Thanks to the Ateca and its little brother, the crossover we’re going to launch next year, SEAT will be present in the segments showing the highest growth in the market”, he added.

The Ateca is already an Internet sensation. Since its presentation last February, 7.2 million people have shown interest in learning about the Ateca on the SEAT website in Germany, Spain, the UK, France and Italy. In addition, more than 300,000 configurations have been made of the model, which will be available across the dealership network beginning this June.

Carried out within 50 metres of the Mediterranean shoreline in close collaboration with the port authority, the presentation to SEAT’s global sales network featured a recreation of an authentic sensory experience related with the city of Barcelona. Furthermore, the participants had the chance to enjoy a spectacular cooking show with two multi-Michelin-starred chefs – Sergi Arola and Paco Pérez, both of who delighted their audience with their culinary creations.

In addition to this event intended for importers and dealers, during the entire month of June, 900 international journalists will be flying to Barcelona to gain first-hand knowledge of the new SEAT Ateca and take it for test drives all over the city.

Audi is to have a stand alone display at this years 66th Frankfurt International Auto Show.

• Stand-alone brand space dedicated to four key themes: Audi Sport, quattro, Audi Technologies and Audi ultra
• Sales chief Luca de Meo: “Unique combination of information and experience”
• Digital technologies link virtual and physical exhibits

Audi is once again displaying bold exhibition architecture at the IAA International Motor Show. In place of a traditional convention booth, a multimedia experience space invites visitors to discover Audi’s four key themes at the IAA 2015 with all of their senses: Audi Sport, quattro, Audi Technologies and Audi ultra.

The company is constructing a temporary building at the Frankfurt exhibition grounds. Placing the latest edition of Audi’s bestselling model in its center, the architectural showcase will provide spectacular staging for the new Audi A4.

“We've never developed an exhibition presentation that was as thematically stringent as this one. Never before have we been able to describe the innovations from Audi in such great detail. At the 2015 IAA we will be offering our visitors more of an experience than ever before. This is a unique combination,” says Luca de Meo, Board Member for Sales and Marketing at AUDI AG.

The entrance to the Audi building is the starting point for the so-called “experience walk,” a corridor encircling the car exhibition in the building's interior. The roughly 100-meter (328.1 ft) course leads visitors through Audi’s four key themes at this year’s IAA: the motorsport genetics of the Audi Sport subbrand, the portfolio of innovations under the title “Audi Technologies” ranging from the Audi virtual cockpit to laser light, the efficient technologies of Audi ultra and the quattro all-wheel-drive success story. Innovative presentation formats in the experience walk appeal to all senses, from the quattro ice room at 21 degrees below zero Celsius to a holographic window that uses augmented reality to connect digital information about the Audi technologies with the physical automobiles on display.

The new Audi A4 introduces many of the presented technology highlights to its segment. It stands in the focal point as the experience walk leads to the car display. The bestseller from Audi is positioned at the center of the building on a rotating platform that is part of an oversize compass. As soon as the compass turns to one of the four cardinal directions, the entire media display of the exhibit switches between the four thematic worlds of Audi. Another look into the future provides the Audi e-tron quattro concept. Visitors will be able to experience it for the first time in the Audi building at the IAA. The sporty SUV provides an outlook on the brand’s first large-series electric car.

Audi’s temporary three-story structure at this year’s IAA is constructed on an area of 70 by 55 meters (229.7 by 180.4 ft) on the central Agora square of the exhibition grounds. Construction work began in mid-July; in all, more than 200 kilometers (124.3 mi) of cable will be laid and nearly 700 square meters (7,534.7 sq ft) of LED surface installed. The exhibition area inside the building will offer space for 33 automobiles. AUDI AG has been working together with Schmidhuber+Partner GbR and Mutabor Design GmbH to develop and implement the concept for its IAA display.

Audi was previously represented with its own brand buildings at both the 2011 and 2013 IAA Cars. The exhibition is held every two years. In 2013, the four rings welcomed more than 800,000 visitors at the IAA and received numerous coveted awards for its exhibition appearance, including the Golden Nail award from the Art Directors Club in Germany. In 2015, the 66th International Motor Show will open its doors to visitors from September 19 to 27.