SEAT looks to the futurewith a roadmap plan up until 2025, with four all new models to be launched.

• The goal is to achieve sustainable profitability
• Models with a high profit margin, customer satisfaction and most attractive employer are the three pillars of the strategy
• The brand will launch four new models in the next two years as scheduled
• Investments commence on adapting Line 1 at Martorell factory to a new platform

SEAT has presented its roadmap until 2025. At a meeting to address the brand’s 550 market executives and directors where it operates, SEAT Board of Directors Chairman Dr. Francisco Javier García Sanz and SEAT’s new Executive Committee Chairman Luca de Meo announced the company’s strategy for the next ten years to achieve the goal of sustainable profitability. 

The three pillars which SEAT is going to focus on will be developing models in growing segments with a high profit margin by applying the successful Leon formula; prioritising customer satisfaction and being the most attractive employer in the automotive industry in Spain.

At the presentation, Dr. Francisco Javier García Sanz reaffirmed the Volkswagen Group’s commitment to SEAT: “Now is the time to act with a view to the medium and long term, regardless of recent weeks’ news. The Volkswagen Group has full confidence in our plan for the future and it is perfectly integrated in their strategy. 

The models we have announced for the next two years will reach the market as scheduled and will contribute to SEAT’s sustainable growth. And they are just the first step of this strategy”. 

Likewise, Luca de Meo, who as of 30 October, replaced Jürgen Stackmann at the helm of SEAT, emphasised the contribution made the company’s workforce to the results obtained in recent years: “I want to acknowledge the effort and dedication of all SEAT employees over the last few years. 

From this day forward, I join SEAT with the same passion and commitment to the brand that you have demonstrated. SEAT has the potential to design and produce high-quality cars. We work consistently, we are passionate, fast, flexible and we have the technology. I am convinced that the strategy we are presenting today will be a huge success”.

Adaptations for the new platform

At the meeting, the company’s top management also presented the efficiency programme, called LEAP, to be applied over the next two years to protect the company’s investment schedule to renew the product line-up and continue to strengthen the brand. In this regard, SEAT will begin to allocate investments to adapt the Martorell plant’s Line 1, where the Ibiza range is produced, to a new platform. 

Work will be carried out in the Bodywork facility between late December and mid-January, which will cause interruptions to Line 1 and the non-renewal of around 100 temporary placement contracts. This will be in addition to the 100 who were recruited last summer to cover holiday leaves on the Q3 line, whose contracts terminate at the end of this year.

The company is on track to launch four new models in the next two years; the first, a compact SUV, is expected in the first half of 2016 and will signal the brand’s debut in this segment.

The programme, which is expected to generate annual cost savings of around 100 million euros, will also enable the company to streamline processes, eliminate any expenditure that does not affect the company’s core business operations and focus on value-adding activities. 

The main measures of the efficiency programme include, among others, the improvement of  the company’s cost structure and the implementation of measures to review logistics, manufacturing and administrative processes and to reduce energy consumption. In addition, the plan includes revising costs on outsourced services, sponsorships, travel and events without affecting the expenses associated with new products.

Seat continues its path to continued growth, with its best results for Q1 since 2007.

• Brand sales up by 10% from January to March 2015 with more than 100,000 cars sold
• Seasonal effect in markets such as Spain contribute to the result
• Leon is again the model with the highest growth (+15%)
• UK sales momentum continues as it delivered 4% more cars: 14,400 compared to 13,900 in 2014

SEAT closed the first quarter of 2015 with its best sales results since 2007. For the first time in eight years, worldwide customer deliveries exceeded 100,000 units between January and March, reaching a total of 102,700 vehicles, which is 10% more than during the same period in 2014 (93,400), or almost 10,000 more cars. 

Once again, the SEAT Leon showed the highest sales growth, with a 14.6% increase, selling  39,700 units (2014: 34,600).

Sales of the Ibiza went up by 9.5% (total: 41,900 vehicles; 2014: 38,300), and were the second highest in growth, ending the first quarter as SEAT’s best-selling car driven by momentum in car rental in markets such as Spain due to the seasonal effect of Easter. In addition, sales of SEAT’s Alhambra MPV increased again by over 10% (12.2%) to reach 5,900 units (2014: 5,200).

SEAT President Jürgen Stackmann highlighted the fact that “after two years of double-digit growth, sales continue with the same pace in the first quarter of the year. Recovery in our main markets, including Spain and Italy, and above all the sales success of our models, continue to give momentum to our growth. However, we must be cautious and keep an eye on market developments”.

SEAT is gaining ground in Europe

SEAT sales in Western Europe grew by 10.4% in the first quarter (total: 81,000; 73,300 in 2014) and according to figures published today by the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA), SEAT remains one of the fastest growing brands in the European Union. Spain is the country that posted the highest growth and closed the first quarter as the brand’s main market, partly boosted by the seasonal effect of the holiday period, after growing 28.0% (total: 22,000; 2014: 17,200). In Germany, SEAT delivered 19,900 units (2014: 19,000), 4.5% more, and is among the top ten best-selling brands. The brand’s sales progress continues this year in the United Kingdom, the seventh in a row, where it sold 4% more (14,400; 2014: 13,900). SEAT’s first quarter sales skyrocketed in Italy (+41.4%; total: 4,100), as they did in Portugal (+34.3%; total: 1,700).   

In Central and Eastern Europe the brand’s first quarter deliveries rose by 22.4% compared to the same period in 2014, to a total of 7,000 units (2014: 5,700). Poland, with 60.3% growth (total: 2,400), and the Czech Republic (+29,9%; total: 2,300) are the main markets in the zone.

First quarter results also showed excellent progress in Mexico, Israel and Turkey. Sales in Mexico, which is SEAT’s fifth largest global market, improved by 10.5% to reach 5,900 cars. The brand moved into the top ten in Israel’s after growing 87.6% to deliver 3,200 units, while Turkey closed the quarter with a 62.5% increase (total: 2,300).

Production in Martorell continues to grow

Car production in the Martorell factory increased by 15.2% in the first quarter of 2015 for a total of 130,700 units, 17,200 more than the same period in 2014. The present growth in demand benefits employment and will lead to working on lines 1 (Ibiza) and 2 (Leon and Altea) on four Saturdays in May. In addition, SEAT production in Palmela (Portugal), Bratislava (Slovakia) and Mladá Boleslav (Czech Republic) collectively increased by 12.8% in the first quarter of 2015. SEAT manufactured 16,100 vehicles in these facilities.

Better Fuel consumption, more power and better looks, that will be the refreshed AUDI Q3

• Up to 17 percent lower fuel consumption and up to 10 hp more power 

Since its market launch in November 2011, the Q3 model series has been a successful model for the Audi brand. The new Audi Q3 and RS Q3 models not only feature a refreshed design, they also boast a number of technical innovations.

Engine

The three TFSI and three TDI clean diesel four‑cylinder engines boast higher output combined with reduced fuel consumption. CO₂ emissions have been reduced by as much as 17 percent. They displace 1.4 or 2.0 litres and produce between (120 hp) and (220 hp). All are turbocharged, direct-injection units and comply with the limits of the Euro 6 emission standard. These consumption and CO₂ reductions are made possible in part by the Audi cylinder on demand technology. Thanks to their efficiency, the 1.4 TFSI COD and the 2.0 TDI bear the “Audi ultra” badge.

Chassis

The chassis of the Audi Q3 combines agile handling, supreme safety, and enhanced comfort. Audi drive select enables the driver to adjust key technology modules, including the optional active dampers, to suit his or her personal preferences. Wheels range in size from 16 to 20 inches in diameter, and the suspension has been tuned for increased comfort. Hill‑descent assist is available as an option.

Design

The premium character of the redesigned Audi Q3 is apparent at first glance. The Audi designers have honed the details of the coupe‑like lines with the characteristic wrap-around tailgate. 

The sculpted Singleframe grille is the defining element at the front of the car. The redesigned headlights come standard with xenon plus technology and LED daytime running lights. The optional LED headlights are particularly bright and energy‑efficient. Audi offers them in combination with the dynamic turn signals integrated into the likewise redesigned LED taillights.

Versatile

In its base configuration, the luggage compartment of the Audi Q3 has a capacity of 460 litres by folding down the split rear seatbacks, this can be increased to 1,365 litres. Many clever options make the SUV even more versatile and easier to use. These include the luggage compartment package, a pass-through and the power tailgate. Roof rails and a new, extensible luggage compartment cover are standard.

Equipment and trim

The new Audi Q3 features a generous list of standard equipment. This can be supplemented with features taken directly from the luxury class, such as the LED interior lighting package and the power-adjustable front seats. With respect to driver assistance systems, the secondary collision brake assist is standard.

Customers can order the following  assistance systems described below as options. With Audi side assist, a yellow LED indicator illuminates in the housing of the outside mirror if another vehicle is in the blind spot or is approaching rapidly from the rear. Audi active lane assist works with video cameras that detect the lane markings. It gently intervenes in the steering to help the driver return to the lane if he or she comes too close to a line without indicating. The camera-based traffic sign recognition system shows speed limit signs – and now also no passing signs – as graphics in the driver information system display.

MMI navigation plus is the high‑end infotainment solution from Audi. The ideal complement to MMI navigation plus is Audi connect including car phone, which connects the Audi Q3 to the Internet. Passengers can use the integrated to WiFi hotspot to surf or e‑mail, while the driver can enjoy the tailored services from Audi connect. These include the web radio Audi music stream, online traffic information, and navigation with Google Earth and Google Street View.

Sales of the redesigned Q3, which Audi builds at its Martorell plant outside Barcelona, Spain, will begin in February 2015. 

SEAT grows sales accross Europe and UK benefits with exceptional growth.

• SEAT UK first-half 2014 sales up 20.2% compared to 2013, to record 27,342 units and market share of 2.1%
• Impressive 32.2% surge in retail sales, led by Ibiza and Leon
• Ibiza becomes sixth best-selling supermini in UK June retail market
• SEAT international sales increased by 9.9% between January and June 2014

SEAT’s inexorable rise continues, as the brand’s just reported a new half-year sales record in the UK. For the third consecutive year, the Spanish brand eclipsed its previous year’s sales performance between January and June. This time, it rocketed by over 20% to 27,342 units, eclipsing its 2013 performance by a considerable 4,590 units.

Led by a stellar Leon performance, and the continued success of Ibiza, SEAT outpaced the UK market’s own 10% growth by a further 10%. One of the most impressive statistics in the figures, recently revealed by the SMMT, was the Latin firm’s 32.2% surge in retail sales, to 15,341 and a market share increase of 0.4% to 2.5%.

Within SEAT’s six-model line-up, the ever-popular Ibiza range spearheaded the charge, with 11,897 sales. It narrowly held off the surging Leon, at 11,481, boosted by the recent impact of the ST (1,800) and flagship Cupra. Notably, 1,577 Ibizas found homes with retail customers in June, up over 21% on the same month last year.

Commenting on its latest set of impressive sales figures, SEAT UK Director Neil Williamson, said, “It’s been a great week. Only a few days ago, we collected three prestigious trophies at the Auto Express awards and now here we are celebrating our best-ever first-half sales results in the UK. It’s a tremendous result and one the team and our Retailer partners should be very proud of. We’re on track for our most successful year ever, but with several more launches in the pipeline and a focus on both retail and fleet business in the months ahead, we won’t be resting on our laurels any time soon.”

Looking ahead, a series of new and recent introductions, are set to bolster SEAT’s performance even further. The recent introduction of I-TECH special editions across the Mii, Ibiza, Toledo, Altea and Alhambra ranges, plus the special edition Ibiza 30 years, to celebrate its latest milestone, are sure to cement the brand’s standing.

The striking new Mii by MANGO is already getting in on the act, with 50 examples having already been snapped up even before it officially launches in showrooms on 1^st August. Not to be outdone, the Leon range gains a new member of the family too. In September, when ordering opens, the four-wheel-drive X-PERIENCE joins the ST fold, giving SEAT a presence in the growing compact crossover/off-roader segment.

SEAT soars internationally – best result for six years with sales up almost 10%

SEAT’s impressive sales success was mirrored outside the UK too. The brand ended the first half of 2014 having delivered 200,200 vehicles, 9.9% more than in the first half of 2013 (182,200). Posting its best result in the last six years, it even exceeded the figure of 200,000 units delivered for the first half of a year since the beginning of the economic crisis in 2008.

Main European markets boost sales

SEAT increased deliveries by 10.5% in Western Europe for the first half of the year (158,300; 143,300 in 2013) and achieved a market share of 2.5% (2013: 2.4%).

Growth in production and jobs at Martorell

Martorell, the production plant where the majority of SEAT vehicles are built, closed the first six months of the year with 11.1% growth compared to the same period in 2013, with a total of 239,100 units built, almost 24,000 more (2013; 215,200). Thanks mainly to the increase in production of the Leon, this year more than 550 temporary workers have been hired by SEAT; and in March a third shift was added to the line producing the Leon.

SEAT confirms production of manufacturers first SUV to launch in 2016.

• Much-anticipated SEAT SUV will come to market in 2016
• Forthcoming car already in development at SEAT’s Martorell facility

SEAT today confirms that it will produce a new compact SUV model, which will come to market in 2016. The Spanish company has been working on the design and development of the new model at its Martorell facility for almost two years.

“This is an excellent piece of news, since it takes SEAT into a new territory, in one of the largest and fastest growing segments in the world,” declared SEAT Chairman Jürgen Stackmann today in the Annual Results Press Presentation. “The SUV is an important pillar in the future corporate strategy and is a major step forward on the road to reaching sustainable profitability for the company,” he added.

Confirmation of the production of a SEAT SUV is a clear sign of the Volkswagen Group’s commitment to the Spanish brand. The new model will achieve a foothold in a growing segment that represents close to one million cars per year in Europe alone – a segment that has increased more than 40% over the past five years, and will continue to grow in the future.

The new SUV will further broaden SEAT’s product range, enabling the brand to maintain its current growth momentum following the successful launch of the Leon family, which is receiving numerous accolades and awards across Europe.

Development of the SUV will continue at the SEAT Technical Centre in Martorell, a unique hub of excellence in southern Europe with more than 900 engineers dedicated to innovation.

SEAT is the only company in its sector with the full-range capacity to design, develop, manufacture and market 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 more than 75 countries. In 2012 SEAT had a total turnover exceeding six billion euros, with overall deliveries amounting to 321,000 units.

SEAT Group employs 14,000 professionals at its three production centres in Barcelona − Zona Franca, El Prat de Llobregat and Martorell, where it manufactures the highly successful Ibiza and Leon, amongst other models. Additionally, the company produces the Alhambra in Palmela (Portugal), the Mii in Bratislava (Slovakia) and the Toledo in Mladá Boleslav (Czech Republic) at Volkswagen Group plants. 

The Spanish multinational also has a Technical Center, a ‘knowledge hub’, bringing together close to 1,000 engineers whose goal is to be the driving force behind innovation for the number one industrial investor in R&D in Spain. In line with its declared commitment to environmental protection, SEAT undertakes and bases its core activity on sustainability, namely reduction of CO2 emissions, energy efficiency, as well as recycling and re-use of resources.

SEAT UK enjoyed a tremendous year in 2013, selling 45,312 cars and achieving a 2.0% market share – both company records.