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.

SEAT takes title in 2015 Experteye Awards’ ‘Best fleet dealer network

• SEAT takes title in 2015 Experteye Awards’ ‘Best fleet dealer network (sales)’ category
• Result based on the real-world experiences of around 40,000 business and fleet vehicle drivers

SEAT has been rated the best in the business by company car drivers, earning it the honour of top fleet dealer network for new vehicle sales in the 2015 Experteye awards.

What makes this trophy particularly special is the fact it reflects the opinions of fleet and business vehicle drivers themselves. Judging is based on data gathered through Touchpoint, Experteye’s driver satisfaction survey.

SEAT emerged the winner in its category, based on responses from around 40,000 lease vehicle drivers canvassed in 2014. The sporty Spanish marque was also the only non-premium brand to receive an award for excellence in fleet customer service.

Rick Yarrow, Managing Director of Experteye, said: “This is a tough category to win because it is based purely on drivers’ direct feedback, taken immediately after delivery of their new vehicle when the service experience is fresh in their minds.

“All the results are produced from the independent views we receive from company car drivers, making SEAT deserved winners of the best fleet dealer network for new vehicle sales.”

Peter McDonald, SEAT UK Head of Fleet and Business Sales, said: “The opinions of the men and women who drive our cars are crucial to our success in the business and fleet market. 

SEAT has made great strides in this sector in recent years and this is further proof that we are delivering satisfaction daily in both the quality of our models and our service. Our thanks go to them and to Experteye for the excellent way in which it monitors performance and customer satisfaction.”

Experteye’s driver data is not only important to motor manufacturers and dealerships, it also acts as a valuable tool for contract hire and fleet management providers to measure and manage their service levels, and those of their supplier network.

SEAT was also recognised for the first time in the top 10 for Dealer networks by major leasing companies in Fleet News’ FN50 in 2014.

SEAT celebrates a sixth successive year of growth, with more to come.

• 18% sales growth sees SEAT UK achieve sixth UK sales record in a row – posting 53,512 registrations in 2014, up 8,200 units on 2013
• Records smashed across the board for SEAT retail and fleet sales, UK car market share, as well as Ibiza and Leon sales
• Market share up almost two percentage points to 2.16%
• Performance in retail sales up by impressive 24.2% to 29,901 and 11.2% in fleet to 23,611
• Buoyant Leon range sales, plus impressive return from ever-popular Ibiza family drive the sporty Spanish carmarker to best ever UK performance
• SEAT international sales increased by over 10% in same period

For the sixth consecutive year, SEAT has smashed its UK sales record. Selling 53,512 cars in total, the sporty Spanish brand gained 18.1% on 2013. Outpacing the UK car market’s own growth by nearly 100%, the firm narrowly missed out on chasing down both Honda and MINI, with market share up too, from 2% to 2.16%.

Just as crucially, SEAT performed well in the right channels. Its retail sales rocketed upwards by almost a quarter to 29,901, while its fleet team more than held its own, posting 23,611 sales, a substantial increase of 11.2% on the 21,239 in 2013.

Within SEAT’s six–model line-up, the Leon family led the charge, outstripping the iconic Ibiza for the first time. With 23,125 sales, no doubt its sizeable awards haul in 2014, as well as the full year impacts of its SC (Sports Coupé) and ST (Sports Tourer) derivatives aided its 50.8% gain on the year before. Chasing it hard was the three-model Ibiza range, ending the year on 22,500. Again, shattering another SEAT UK record, up 13.8% on 2013.

Commenting on its latest set of impressive sales figures, SEAT UK Director Neil Williamson, said, “To set another sales record in the UK is fantastic and I’d like to take the opportunity to thank the SEAT UK team, as well as our dealer partners, in achieving such a superb result for 2014. There’s a real sense of momentum with our brand at the moment, which we’ll be looking to capitalise on in the months ahead, with unsurprisingly, yet more ambitious growth targets to hit.

“We’ve made great strides in fleet and retail over the last couple of years, so as well as cementing our position in both in 2015, the most pleasing thing for me will be the upgrading of our UK dealer network. It’s a huge undertaking to install our new corporate identity across  130-plus sites, but I’m confident the more modern and upmarket look will allow us to deliver an even greater customer experience, in line with the desirability and high quality of our cars.”

SEAT delivered 390,500 cars internationally in 2014

SEAT ended 2014 having delivered 390,500 internationally, 10% more than in 2013 (355,000), its best achievement since 2007. As a result, SEAT has accumulated 21.7% growth in the last two years alone, having found homes for almost 70,000 vehicles more than in 2012 (321,000). 

The UK cemented its position as the brand’s third largest market, behind Spain and Germany.

SEAT sales have been largely boosted by the Leon family. In 2014, it saw a 50% increase, rising to 154,100 units, 51,300 more than the previous year. 

Since the launch of the new generation in 2012 – the first with three different bodystyles – the Leon has more than doubled its sales, and has posted a 116% increase (2012: 71,200 vehicles). It has also achieved the best sales results since its launch in 1999, and for the first time has replaced the Ibiza as SEAT’s best-selling car.

The ST estate version of the Leon, launched at the end of 2013, accounted for a healthy volume of 47,100 units – 30.5% of the model’s overall figure. The brand’s MPV, the SEAT Alhambra, also achieved double-digit growth in 2014, exceeding 23,000 units (23,100; +15.6%).

SEAT Executive Committee Chairman Jürgen Stackmann, made a satisfactory assessment of these results. “For the second year running SEAT sales have seen double-digit growth. 

The Leon family has been a turning point in our history. It has become the second pillar of the brand and has opened the door to new customers.” Stackmann said of 2015: “Our goal is to consolidate growth. The range is going to grow and be renewed this year, starting with the models we already have, and we are getting ready for the immediate future – the arrival of the compact SUV in 2016.”

SEPTEMBER SALES - SEAT - Spanish brand celebrates huge advances in sales for September & year to date.

• SEAT celebrates series of new UK sales records, including best ever single month, best quarter and year-to-date market share
• Retail sales up 27% year-to-date and fleet up 11.5%
• SEAT international sales up more than 10% too, with UK its largest growth market

SEAT is celebrating a series of new UK sales records, including best month, quarter and year-to-date market share. Finding homes for 9,594 of its cars, the Spanish brand’s stellar September performance dwarfed the same month last year by a lofty 1,096 units. It also eclipsed its previous best, set earlier this year in March.

The sporty, design-led marque is also basking in the glory of its biggest quarter ever on our shores, with 15,269 sales. Resulting in its highest ever September market share, at 2.25%,  it propelled SEAT to its most impressive year-to-date market share, at 2.18%.

Leading the charge was the Leon range. In September, just shy of 4,000 of them were sold, and more than 6,500 overall in the third quarter. The iconic Ibiza also continued to shine. Celebrating its 30^th anniversary, it’s still proving to be as desirable as ever, with 3,971 delivered in September alone.

While the numbers poured in, SEAT also maintained its healthy sales mix. In September, 5,527 UK retail sales showed growth of almost 10% on last year, with an even rosier picture year-to-date versus 2013, up over 27% over the same period, at 24,377.

Not to be outdone, its fleet team also posted a strong set of figures. At 4,067, its sales shifted upwards 18.2% on last September, and pushed SEAT’s year-to-date fleet growth to 11.5%.

Commenting on SEAT UK’s sales success, Director, Neil Williamson, “I’m delighted with our performance so far this year, and last month’s results are just the icing on the cake. We’ve got a great model line-up, with cars like the new Leon X-PERIENCE coming online soon. Plus, we’re winning plenty of awards and comparison tests too. It’s also encouraging to see our dealers making good returns as well, long may it continue. All we’ve got to do now is maintain our focus to deliver what I’m confident will be yet another record-breaking year for SEAT in the UK.”

Internationally, the news was equally positive, with SEAT sales up more than 10% year-to-date. The brand ended the third quarter with an aggregate increase of 10.5%, and 294,000 vehicles delivered, 27,900 more than in the same period 2013 (266,100). This growth momentum is being sustained by Leon sales, with the ST already making its mark, selling 32,700 units already, of the range’s total 117,500 so far this year. The SEAT Alhambra, with 17,000 vehicles (2013: 14,100) is also making solid gains, up 21.0% year-to-date.

Dr. Andreas Offermann, Vice-President for Sales and Marketing, highlighted growth in the main European markets. “SEAT is increasing above 20% in the United Kingdom and Italy, and more than 10% in Spain and Germany. In Portugal sales have almost doubled, and in Eastern Europe we are growing by 55%. The improvement in our results is based on a solid and ever-increasing range coupled with a stronger presence in Europe”.

New special edition added to SEAT range, offers better design and tech.

• I-TECH launches across Mii, Ibiza, Toledo, Altea and Alhambra ranges, bringing together design and technology in one special edition
• Alloy wheels with titanium finish, I-TECH badging and detailing inside and out for every model
• New versions offer customer savings of up to £480 (depending on model)
• Mii by MANGO is flying off the shelf - over 100 sold already - more than twice SEAT UK’s own pre-launch sales forecast

Marrying its hallmarks of design and technology, SEAT has launched a new special edition, I-TECH, across most of its UK line-up. Offering customer savings of up to £480 compared to buying each of the equipment items separately, the new versions feature on the Mii, Ibiza, Toledo, Altea and Alhambra ranges.

The first member of the SEAT family to welcome the new addition is Mii. Replacing the former Toca version, I-TECH nestles between SE and Sport, costing £9,995 in 3-door guise, and £10,345 in 5-door. It’s powered by a nippy 1.0-litre 60 PS engine, offering a super-frugal 62.8 miles per gallon.

Well specified, the I-TECH touches come in the form of 14-inch ‘Spirited’ alloy wheels with titanium finish, a smart I-TECH key cover and black upholstery with gloss grey dashboard panel. SEAT Portable System Live is also part of the package, offering sat nav, Bluetooth® phone connection with audio streaming, micro SD card slot and integrated trip computer functions.

The best-selling I-TECH range is likely to be Ibiza, which offers it on each of its three bodystyles, SC, 5-door and ST. Fitting snuggly between Toca and the new ‘30 Years’ special edition, it comes based on SE, with prices starting from £13,790. It joins the sporty FR using the highly regarded 1.2 TSI 105 PS engine, combined with a manual gearbox.

On the street, the latest addition is immediately distinguishable through its 16-inch ‘Cartago’ alloy wheels with titanium finish and B-pillar I-TECH badges.

It also ushers in a smart, contemporary look on the inside, with unique dark blue cloth and simil leather upholstery with embossed I-TECH logo. Buyers also get a set of I-TECH floor mats, key cover and door sill plates.

The compact, yet cavernous Toledo, also welcomes I-TECH to the range. Going straight in as its new flagship, over and above SE, it offers 16-inch ‘Design’ alloy wheels with titanium finish, grey alcantara and black simil leather upholstery, metallic dashboard inlays, plus I-TECH badges on the side and an I-TECH key cover. The new versions cost £17,015 and £18,870, equating to a £500 premium, but a customer saving of almost £200 compared to buying the items separately.

Replacing the former Copa, I-TECH is also available on Altea and Altea XL. Giving it impressive ease-of-use and practicality, it benefits from sliding rear seats, dual-zone climate control, electric front and rear windows, Hill Hold Control, plus front and rear parking sensors.

Ideal for those ferrying kids around, whether it be on short school runs, or more epic journeys, there’s a central roof-mounted TFT screen in the rear. Which, with a bit of luck, should offer the added benefit of providing precious moments of relative tranquillity in the front too. The driver and passenger meanwhile, can entertain themselves with the SEAT Media System 2.2, including satellite navigation, five-inch colour touchscreen, DAB radio, SD card slot and Bluetooth®.

It rides high in the comfort and style stakes too, with 16-inch ‘Elio’ alloy wheels with titanium finish, auto headlights and rain sensing wipers.

Rounding off its appeal to family buyers is its uncompromising safety level, including a total of eight airbags and a tyre pressure monitoring system. Pricing for the Altea I-TECH range starts at £19,345 for the 1.6 TDI Ecomotive, rising to £20,865 for the XL 2.0 TDI 140.

The fifth and final member of the SEAT stable to benefit from I-TECH’s introduction is Alhambra. Slotting in between SE and SE Lux, it offers a comprehensive list of equipment, representing a customer saving of £480, with 17-inch ‘Dynamic’ alloy wheels with titanium finish, sport-style front seats, chrome and black brushed interior and keyless entry & go. Like its compact Altea sibling, it also boasts the SEAT Media System 2.2, including satellite navigation, five-inch colour touchscreen, DAB radio, SD card slot and Bluetooth®.

Powered by the 2.0 TDI 140, Alhambra I-TECH is available with either manual or auto transmission, costing £28,630 or £29,915.

Mii by MANGO – flying off the shelf

Only launched on 1 August, SEAT’s uber-stylish Mii by MANGO looks like being this season’s “must have” city car. Literally flying off the shelves, at more than twice the rate SEAT UK predicted, over 100 have already been sold. In fact, two-thirds were snapped up by style-savvy buyers even before demonstration cars had arrived in dealers.

Created in partnership with the well-renowned Spanish fashion house, the flagship versions are bound to turn heads. Available in a choice of two contemporary shades at no extra cost, Deep Black metallic or Nude custom paint, Mii by MANGO comes accessorised with 15-inch contrasting alloy wheels and door mirrors (Atom grey or silver) and chrome door strips, plus exclusive badging on the B-pillar and rear.

It’s just as appealing on the inside too, with Alcantara upholstery and black simil leather with Nude contrast piping, together with centre console and air vent surrounds picked out in the same eye-catching shade.

Prices for Mii by MANGO start at £10,995, with fashionista types being urged to order one as soon as possible to snap up one of the few remaining 30 MANGO accessory packs. The launch offer of £500 MANGO vouchers for the first 100 customers has already completely sold out.

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.  

SEAT Generates 6.5 Billion Euros, its highest ever against a total Loss of -149 million Euros.

• Earnings after tax totals -149 million euros
• SEAT generates EBITDA of €221m; operating cash flow increases by 70%
• Investments fully covered by operating cash flow for the first time since 2007
• Over 2,600 million euros investment and R&D expenses over the past five years
• Martorell factory records its highest production volume since 2007

With a major upswing in sales demand and production, SEAT closed 2013 with the highest revenue in its history, having posted a turnover of 6,473 million euros – that’s 6.3% more than the previous year.

“2013 was a difficult and demanding year, but SEAT proved its potential by joining the ranks of the fastest growing brands in Europe and set sales and production records for the past years,” highlighted SEAT President Jürgen Stackmann during the presentation of the 2013 results.

Fierce market competition in Western Europe (SEAT’s largest trading region), driven by the challenging economic difficulties in the region, resulted in diminished revenue per unit – one of the key factors of an operating result of -217 million euros in 2013, compared to -134 million euros the previous year¹. The operating result was also affected by higher personnel and restructuring costs, and an increase in amortisations due to the launch of new models. 

SEAT has made enormous investment efforts over the past five years in order to guarantee its future, amounting to over 2,600 million euros for investments and R&D expenses. Earnings after tax totalled -149 million euros compared to -30 million the previous year.

The company’s EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization) improved by 73% to a total of €221m, and operating cash-flow went up by 70% to €358m. For the first time since 2007, investments were fully covered by operating cash flow. Holger Kintscher, Vice-President for Finance and Organization, stressed that “SEAT has carried out an important streamlining of the balance sheet that consolidates its financial position. The company has considerably increased its ability to self-finance investments and has also improved the quality of its operating business”.

Quality and efficiency

With more than 102,000 units delivered worldwide (+44.4%), the Leon holds the key to explaining SEAT’s positive sales performance in 2013, as overall brand sales reached 355,000 units – an increase of 10.6%. Its five-door version, which was the model sold all year, became the brand’s best-selling model in several markets (Germany, United Kingdom², France, Italy and Turkey, amongst others). SEAT took advantage of the crisis to reduce its dependence upon the domestic market and expand internationally, exporting 83% of its output last year compared to 75% in 2009.

Together with the Leon, the Ibiza and Altea ranges and the second complete year of production of the Audi Q3 gave SEAT its highest production volume in the Martorell facilities since 2007, with an output of more than 390,000 units (+3.4%). On the 20th anniversary of its inauguration, the Martorell factory was elevated with the prestigious Automotive Lean Production award for the efficiency of its production processes.

The quality of SEAT’s processes and products gained widespread international recognition, which further boosted the company’s brand image. Three SEAT models (Leon, Ibiza and Alhambra) were distinguished with several awards in many countries, particularly Auto Express Car of the Year in the United Kingdom and Car of the Year in Spain for the Leon.

Employment and sustainability

Social engagement and a commitment to sustainability were a major focus for SEAT in 2013. The company remained one of Spain’s leading industrial employers and in contrast to the domestic labour market, SEAT has emerged from the worst stage of the crisis with the net creation of more than 1,000 jobs, rising from 10,369 employees in 2009 to 11,458 last year.

SEAT’s commitment to training – to which some €13m annually are devoted – and especially to the dual-vocational training programme carried out at the company’s Apprentice School, continues to trigger huge interest among thousands of young people who see the company as a great opportunity to achieve personal and professional fulfilment.

The inauguration of SEAT al Sol, the car industry’s largest solar energy plant, has become SEAT’s emblem of environmental commitment, which is also passed on to its products. Thanks to the company’s Ecomotive range of products, 60% of the vehicles sold by SEAT all over the world emit less than 120 g/km of CO₂, a figure that increases to 80% in the Spanish market. At the same time, the company is working on initiatives to boost the use of compressed natural gas (CNG) in the car industry, a fuel that is cleaner, safer and more affordable. SEAT currently offers two CNG-powered models: the Leon TGI and the Mii Ecofuel, the latter boasting the lowest consumption and emissions figures in the history of SEAT with 79 g/km.

The future

In 2014, the range of SEAT vehicles will continue to expand mostly around the Leon family. After unveiling the Leon Cupra at the Geneva Motor Show, the fastest and most powerful car in the history of SEAT, the next newcomer before this summer will be the Leon ST 4Drive (with all-drive traction), followed by the Leon X-Perience, a family-sized crossover version based on the ST, by the end of the year.

SEAT’s best-selling Ibiza, one of the company’s cornerstones that has remained a sales leader in Spain since 2001, will see its range expanded in a month with a special version to commemorate the model’s 30th anniversary. This summer sales will begin of the Mii by MANGO, the urban car also presented in Geneva that has been created in collaboration with the fashion brand based in Barcelona.

The company kicked off 2014 with a growth in sales, especially of the Leon. In January and February 2014, Leon registrations increased by 46% compared to the same period in 2013 and 18,700 units were sold globally. Furthermore, over 20,000 orders have already been placed for the family-style Leon ST since production began in the final quarter of 2013.

“Economic difficulties persist in our business environment and we are facing several challenges, both as a sector and as a company. But SEAT has a stronger financial basis than before and a clear strategy for the future that builds on the success of the Leon formula, which is the basis that defines our models and the brand,” summed up SEAT President Jürgen Stackmann.

1. SEAT is preparing its individual financial statements according to the Spanish General Accounting Plan, without including its subsidiaries. Volkswagen applies international accounting standards (IAS/IFRS) and consolidates the figures of the SEAT brand.

2. While total Ibiza model sales (comprising SC, five-door and ST body styles) eclipsed overall Leon sales in 2013, the five-door Leon was the single biggest selling car in SEAT’s range.