SEAT Cars to complete a huge building to house upwards of 119,00 boxes of parts

Pioneering company in Industry 4.0

• The new 43.7 metre tall building will be able to process 119,000 boxes of parts and components
• Work on the new facility will conclude in the last quarter of 2018

SEAT continues with its commitment to making the Martorell factory a benchmark of Industry 4.0 with the construction of a new, automated logistics centre, providing storage for parts and components and equipped with smart technology to make its operation completely automated. With a total capacity for 119,000 boxes and a maximum height of 43.7 metres, it will be the tallest logistics warehouse in Spain. 

 Construction work on this facility, which will become the pillar of SEAT’s Logistics Centre at the Martorell factory, is scheduled to conclude in the last quarter of 2018.

According to SEAT Vice-President for Production Dr. Andreas Tostmann, “the creation of this wholly automated logistics centre once again demonstrates that SEAT is a benchmark company in every area of Industry 4.0”. “With this project we are taking a qualitative leap forward in our service capacity and our vision of achieving logistics management excellence by increasing efficiency in the manufacturing process of our vehicles”, he added. 

SEAT’s new warehouse will have a total surface area of 5,700 m2 divided into two facilities. In the first one, with a height of 43.7 metres, up to 500 containers will be shifted every hour. It will have a capacity for 24,000 containers stored in seven aisles. The second, at 21 metres high, will feature five aisles for storing more than 95,000 boxes, where 1,100 will get shifted every hour. 

This new facility represents another breakthrough in the logistics processes at the Martorell factory, which in recent months have received several awards. Just recently, SEAT won the Manufacturing Excellence 2017 award in the category of Logistics and Logistics Network Management. 

The judging panel of this award, which is considered one of the major events in the industrial sector, was particularly impressed by the factory’s excellent performance in supplier management and internal logistics. Likewise, last June the Barcelona International Logistics Exhibition recognised SEAT for the efficiency and technological innovation of the SEAT Easy Smart Logistics project.

Seat launches the second SUV before it launches the 3rd seven seat SUV later on.

• The company shows the Ateca’s young brother for the first time from the air
• The new crossover flies over the Barcelona coastline hanging from a helicopter 300 metres in the air
• The Arona is being presented today in Barcelona as part of the largest product offensive in the history of SEAT

Flying through the air suspended from a cable attached to a helicopter. This is how SEAT showed off its new creation, the Arona, for the first time. And the feat took place in Barcelona, the brand’s home town, where the compact crossover has gone from being a sketch to a fully fledged vehicle. Dangling over the city’s beachfront, residents and bathers alike were treated to this surprising aerial exhibition and got a glimpse of the car’s silhouette, which will ultimately be revealed this afternoon.

-A crossover 300 metres above the sea: The Arona spent an hour flying parallel to the Barcelona coastline. Dangling from a 20 metre long cable from a helicopter moving at 80km/h, the new model hugged the shoreline 300 metres above sea level.-
From Barcelona to the world: This crossover is created in Barcelona: it was designed, developed and manufactured in the company’s facilities in Martorell. Precisely for this reason, the brand wanted the residents of the city to be the first to get a symbolic token sneak peek at its latest creation before taking it to the 80 countries where SEAT exports 81% of its output.

-Great expectation for the “flying car”: The Arona flying overhead took more than a few bathers by complete surprise as they enjoyed the sun-drenched Mediterranean Sea. “What car can it be?” some must have been asking, while others tried to make out the brand and model from the beach.

-Ready for its debut: The crossover is being presented to journalists from all over the world this afternoon at the teaser event held in Barcelona. Following its international presentation in September at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the Arona will be reaching dealerships at the end of the year.

-An urbanite exploring new territories. The Arona will be the company’s first model to explore the constantly growing segment of the compact crossovers.

-A trio of all-roaders: The new crossover is the second pillar of SEAT’s range of all-roaders together with the Ateca, which was presented last year, and the future large SUV, whose name remains a mystery, scheduled for launch in 2018. With the Arona, the company is making progress with its largest product offensive to date, following the Ibiza and the Leon.

The 1992 Olympics brought us various SEAT cars, as the brand and Olympics are from Barcelona

• SEAT committed itself to Barcelona 92 with three special models, 2,000 cars for the Olympic family and training for the 30,000 volunteers
• The Ibiza was selected as the official car of the Olympic Games 
• Two versions of the Toledo were made: a Podium edition for the Spanish medallists and an electric variant, which led the torch relay and the Marathon event

On 25 July 1992 hundreds of millions of people had their eyes fixed on Barcelona. The Olympic Games had just begun and more than 12,000 athletes were competing. The city opened its arms to the huge Olympic family with 30,000 volunteers trained by SEAT. 

It was a formidable logistics challenge that involved shuttling hundreds of athletes, organisers and journalists every day in a fleet of 2,000 company cars. 

Among these, the brand’s most iconic model, the SEAT Ibiza, was selected as the official car of the Games. Below are a few notable facts about those models with the Olympic spirit.

-The Olympic Ibiza: A special series of the white Ibiza, customised with the Olympic rings and the Barcelona’92 logo, became the official car of the Games. The Olympic Ibiza features in the rich history of the SEAT Ibiza, which is currently the brand’s icon and now in its fifth generation, with more than 5.4 million units sold.

-A Toledo fit for a winner: Only 25 units of this special version of the Toledo were made, and the brand gave one to each of the 23 Spanish athletes who won a medal. It featured navy blue paint and exclusive detailing, such as a portable telephone in the armrest and wood inserts in the steering wheel.

-Leading the way in the torch relay: The organisers of the Games asked SEAT for a specific model to accompany the athletes during the torch relay and the Marathon event. The result was an electric Toledo that featured a plug in charger concealed behind the front grille and a set of batteries that weighed 500 kilos which gave it a range of 65 kilometres.

-2,000 cars for the needs of a large family: 400 volunteers were responsible for driving a fleet of 2,000 Ibiza and Toledo cars around the Olympic Village. The fleet was used to shuttle athletes, delegates and accredited journalists to and from the different sports facilities during the Games.

-Collector’s items: the SEAT historic collection contains a perfectly preserved model of the Olympic Ibiza, an electric Toledo and two units of the Toledo Podium, all assets that represent the brand’s living history.

The SEAT name a car has finished its first phase as the nominations get whittled down further.

• SEAT received a total of 133,332 proposals from 106 countries
• Brand enthusiasts can vote for their favourite candidate in September
• The name of SEAT’s new SUV will be announced by 15 October 2017

The project #SEATseekingName, where the Barcelona-based brand asked members of the public to name its third SUV, has succeeded in attracting huge participation from 133,332 members of the public in 106 countries. The first stage, which opened on 1st June, finished yesterday after receiving a total of 10,130 different Spanish place names, which was the criteria set out by the company for its 2018 SUV, submitted through seat.com/seekingname and seat.es/buscanombre.

Since SEAT announced in March that it was going to launch its new SUV, the brand had already received more than 500 proposals of different place names from all over Spain for its new vehicle with capacity for up to seven passengers. 

The expectations and social impact achieved prompted the company to redefine its habitual naming process, opening it up to brand followers in Spain and around the world, for them to propose their favourite name and then vote for the winner.

SEAT President Luca de Meo expressed his satisfaction with the massive response to this project: “The results obtained have overwhelmingly exceeded all expectations. Not only has this collaborative initiative sparked great interest among our brand followers, but thousands of other people have also contributed by proposing a name for our new SUV. We’re counting on them to vote for their favourite candidate in September”.

With the first stage now finished, it is time for the pre-selection phase of the proposals, involving brand experts and an external naming agency, as well as customers from different countries who will be participating in the focus groups organised by SEAT. In addition, testing will be carried out in the markets to select at least three names which will be voted on. In this stage certain criteria will be observed, such as that the names are in line with the brand values and product characteristics and that they are easy to pronounce in several languages.

SEAT will announce the names of the finalists at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Anybody wishing to cast a vote for their favourite candidate will have the chance from 12 to 25 September, and the name with the most votes will be the winner, which SEAT will announce by 15 October.

In this fashion, the company’s third SUV will join the list of 13 models that have been named after a place name from Spanish geography. It started in 1982 with the Ronda up to the most recent Arona (Tenerife), the compact crossover which will be unveiled on 26 June in Barcelona. In addition, it will be the first time in the history of the brand that a model carries a name selected by popular vote.

The all new SEAT Arona, yet another new car from SEAT, as they continue to grow.

• Arona is the perfect companion for the Ateca in SEAT’s growing SUV range
• The second SEAT vehicle produced on the MQB A0 platform represents SEAT's entry into the compact crossover segment
• Great height and width, compact crossover dimensions and the most advanced technology in safety and connectivity
• Manufactured exclusively in Martorell, SEAT’s third release in 2017 represents another step forward in the Spanish brand's biggest ever product offensive

The New SEAT Arona is here, and just like the New Ibiza, is making its first appearance during a media event in Barcelona, in front of 250 international journalists. The New SEAT Arona will make its public debut at the Frankfurt International Motor Show in September.

The New SEAT Arona is the Spanish brand's third new release in 2017, after the upgraded Leon and the New Ibiza. This is yet another addition to the SEAT range in its biggest product offensive ever, which also includes the Ateca and the upcoming large size SUV that will be released in 2018.

The New SEAT Arona sits neatly within the SUV range as the younger brother in the family, combining the advantages of its compact dimensions in the city, with its crossover attributes once it is out of the city limits. 

It’s also the fact that the SEAT Arona is so elegant, spacious, practical and comfortable, both in the normal Monday to Friday working week and adventurous, robust, sporty and efficient at the weekend. All of this combined with applied safety and connectivity technology that is only seen in higher market segments, plus SEAT’s undoubtable attractive and distinct design, as well as with the sports DNA dynamism and finesse of the Spanish brand. 

The Arona, manufactured exclusively in Martorell - the plant with the largest production volume in Spain - will play a key role for SEAT, strengthening the brand and increasing sales.

"We at SEAT are very persistent. With our biggest product offensive, by the time the Large SUV reaches the market, SEAT will have launched, on average, a new vehicle every six months in two and a half years. SEAT has allocated a total of 900 million euros in investments and R&D expenditure to the Ibiza and Arona. These investments are a part of the total investment of 3.3 billion euros for the 2015-2019 period”, says Luca de Meo, President of SEAT. "The commercial launch of the New Ibiza is taking place this very month, and Arona will be premiered at the Frankfurt Motorshow".

The New SEAT Arona is the first SEAT model in the compact crossover segment, which has increased four-fold since 2015. Far from confining itself to a specific category, the Arona is a lesson in versatility. Thanks to its compact size and the sensations of safety and control offered by its high driving position and modern design, it is perfect for everyday city driving, but it’s not afraid to show its fun and adventurous side either.

The New SEAT Arona is designed for drivers looking for a sense of excitement, distinction and functionality. People who know that age is just a number, not an outlook on life. This is a car that fits their lifestyle, that works in both the city and the countryside, that is loaded with technology and that is comfortable, spacious, safe, dynamic and all-purpose. It is a car that's easy to get in and out of, and if that weren't enough, a car in which your luggage can fit easily with no hassle whatsoever.

Always ready for an adventure

When it comes to passive safety, the New SEAT Arona performs at the highest level in an environment that is much more demanding nowadays. “We’re certain that the New SEAT Arona is the perfect answer to the current demands of our customers, in terms of dynamic behaviour, comfort, safety and state-of-the-art technology. We are once again setting new standards in the segment” says Dr. Matthias Rabe, Executive Vice-President for Research and Development.

The New SEAT Arona has all of the driving assistance and infotainment systems you know and love from other SEAT models, such as Front Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Hill Hold control, Tiredness Recognition System, Auto lights and wipers, Multi-Collision Braking, Keyless Entry and Start System, precise and high-quality rear camera, premium 8-inch black panel touchscreen, and Connectivity Hub with Wireless Phone Charger and GSM signal amplifier. The Arona also offers an optional Rear Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Detection and Park Assistance System, which works for both parallel and angled parking.

Dimensions

In terms of its dimensions, the SEAT Arona is 4,138mm long, which is 79mm more than the New Ibiza. However, the real difference lies in its height, as the Arona is 99mm taller. As a result, the New SEAT Arona offers not only higher ground clearance for those off-road adventures, but also more front and rear headroom, and, above all, a larger boot, with a 400-litre capacity. 

Another important feature is the seat cushion, which is 52mm higher and gives it a dual advantage: firstly, a higher driving position for an impressive view of the road ahead; and, secondly, it makes it much easier to get in and out of the car. The passenger seats are also 62mm higher, while headroom is 37mm greater in the front and 33mm in the rear. The suspension has been increased by 15mm and the windscreen is slightly more vertical than in the Ibiza for an even roomier interior.

MQB A0 Platform

The MQB (Modular Quer Baukasten) A0 platform allows higher manufacturing flexibility, more robust implementation and different models with different body types within the same segment. Also different wheelbase configurations can be achieved within the same base platform. SEAT’s investments and R&D expenditure in recent years were partially allocated to adapt Line 1 at the Martorell factory to the new MQB A0 platform, allowing SEAT to be the first company of the Volkswagen group to use this technology.

Fully connected and with its own style

In terms of connectivity, Arona features Apple Car Play, Android Auto and Mirror Link.

Like the Ibiza, Leon and Ateca, the New SEAT Arona will offer the following trim levels (depending on market): Reference, Style, FR & XCELLENCE trims. The dual-coloured (red and white) ambient indoor LED light and dual-zone climate control with an aircare filter are also available on the Arona, while at the front, triangular headlights with attractive colour and excellent luminance make it instantly recognisable. At the rear, its tail lights are also LED and they provide extra visual width thanks to their dual nature. The FR trim includes dual-mode suspension, and the SEAT Drive Profile with four modes: Normal, Sport, Eco and Individual.

Multi-use without a single compromise

On the emotional side, Arona offers the thrill that drivers once looked for in three-door versions, with the advantage of the space offered by a family car body, and the enhanced capacity made possible by its higher frame. The Arona also shares features with the Ateca. After all, it is its younger brother within the SUV range, as we await the arrival of the family's biggest member, the large SUV scheduled for 2018. The Arona's robust front follows the same structure as the Ateca, with a three-dimensional look that's more pronounced, without being aggressive. Also, the license plate on the tailgate, allows a more robust bumper design and raises the car visually.

Alejandro Mesonero, Design Director at SEAT, says, "We wanted to give the New SEAT Arona the distinct feel of a crossover, a sturdy car for everyday life, for the urban jungle. That's why it features such strong protection in the bumpers, the wheel arches and the dark coloured rubber side skirts, as well as the roof rack and the aluminium look-like protection at the bottom of the bumpers". All of which makes it look tougher and taller. The 665mm larger diameter wheels also help to make the car higher.

The New SEAT Arona is very expressive. In addition to its rack, the roof features evoke the aesthetics of all-terrain vehicles. It has many aspects in common with the new design language shown in recent SEAT cars, although there is no doubt this car has its own personality. This is clear in its interior, which stands out not only in horizontal proportions that emphasise and enhance the car’s size, giving an even greater feel of roominess and space inside, but in its increased sophistication as well. Special care has been taken with the details to underscore the improvements made to the New SEAT Arona in terms of its perceived quality.

The High Console Concept also gives the console more prominence, which affects the safety and ergonomics, since every element is positioned such that the driver barely has to look away from the road while driving. The driver’s seat has been given particular attention, and all of the instruments are oriented toward the driver. Everything is within reach, allowing for easy adjustments and increased safety. The seats are more comfortable and provide a greater feeling of protection while holding the occupants in place more securely. The fabrics, shades and colours are exclusive to the New SEAT Arona, whose interior colours and trims offer many possibilities for personalisation (depending on market), with the console, for example, being painted to match the dashboard.

In this regard, the ability to personalise the Arona is very important. There has been a trend in customers demanding individualisation for their vehicles. Colour-wise, the Arona is divided into two: the lower body, on the one hand, and the roof, plus the A- and C-pillars, on the other. Added to the colour palette for the bodywork is Eclipse Orange. The roof can be grey, black, orange or the same colour as the body. Globally, there are 68 possible colour combinations. Prominent on the C-pillar is the ‘X’ graphic engraved in the sheet metal to highlight the Arona's crossover look. While every model in the SEAT line-up has a dynamic, versatile, technological and sporty character, the Arona maintains all of those features but has a more spacious interior and a wider range of possible uses.

The perfect companion

Strength nowadays lies in efficiency and reliability. All of the engines available in the New SEAT Arona range have direct injection, a turbocompressor, and feature an automatic stop & start system. There are three different petrol engines to choose from, all with an aluminium block. The first is the three-cylinder, 95PS 1.0 TSI, which is linked to a five-speed manual gearbox. Next we have this same engine but in a 115PS version, which comes with a six-speed manual gearbox or the dual-clutch seven-speed DSG transmission. The third is the new four-cylinder, 150PS TSI with active cylinder deactivation technology, which is exclusive to the FR trim and is connected to a six-speed manual gearbox.

As for diesel options, the efficient and reliable 1.6 TDI will be available with 95 and 115PS. The 95PS version can be paired with a five-speed manual transmission or seven-speed DSG, and the 115 PS with a six-speed gearbox.

SEAT sales are rising steadily. Between January and May, SEAT delivered 201,300 vehicles worldwide, an increase of 13.9% over the same period in 2016. Sales growth has increased SEAT's turnover by 20.2% in the first quarter of the year, reaching a record of 2.487 billion euros. Last year, the company posted the highest operating profits in its history. SEAT's operating profit reached 56 million euros in the first three months of 2017, 4.1% more than in the same period in the previous year.

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.

WORLDWIDE SALES JAN - SEAT has its best start to the year since 2003.

Best result since 2003

• The brand delivers 32,300 cars, 16.5% more than in January of 2016
• Sales experience double-digit growth in Spain, Germany, the United Kingdom, France and Italy
• United Kingdom grows registrations by 23.6% compared to January 2016

SEAT’s worldwide sales continue to grow in 2017. After finishing 2016 with the fourth consecutive annual increase, and adding a cumulative growth of nearly 30% since 2012, SEAT posted the best January results since 2003. 

The brand delivered 32,300 cars in the first month of 2017, which represents a 16.5% increase over the same period last year.

“We began the year with solid growth in all our major markets at a rate which is ahead of the sector average. 

The product offensive is already paying off in the form of sales and increased market share. 

The Ateca is enabling us to reach new customers, while Leon demand has grown due to launch of the updated version. Ibiza sales are solid and continue to stay ahead of expectations at the end of the current generation,” said Wayne Griffiths, SEAT Vice-President for Sales and Marketing.

The sales increase was particularly positive in SEAT’s main markets. In the United Kingdom, SEAT registrations grew by 23.6% with 3,854 vehicles registered in January. Spain spearheaded deliveries in January with 6,700 vehicles sold (+41.7%) followed by Germany (5,800; +14.5%) and then the United Kingdom. France (1,700; +14.6%) and Italy (1,600; +25.2%) also posted double-digit growth. Most European countries are growing steadily and contributed to boosting SEAT sales in January. Mexico was another prominent market, posting a 16.3% increase and total sales of 2,700 cars.

“2017 promises to be the most exciting year in our history, with January already off to a record breaking start, thanks to our award-winning model range proving a real hit with customers,” said Richard Harrison, SEAT UK Director.

The updated Leon, the best-selling model in the SEAT range, reached the dealerships in January. In addition, the company also presented the fifth generation Ibiza, which is set to go on sale this summer. With the launch of the Arona in the second half of this year, SEAT is going to complete the largest product offensive in its history, which began in 2016 with the Ateca.

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. In 2016, SEAT’s achieved worldwide sales of 410,200 units, the highest result since 2007.

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.