Leon ST 4WD Confirmed and Leon speeds up SEAT sales in first quarter 2014

• Brand delivers 93,400 vehicles January-March 2014
• Leon grows more than 60%, hits 34,600 units
• United Kingdom (+21.0%), Germany (+14.8%) and Eastern Europe (+85.6%) driving results
• Leon speeds up SEAT sales in first quarter 2014

SEAT has increased sales by 7.3% during the first quarter of the year. The brand has delivered a total number of 93,400 vehicles, 6,300 more than the same period in 2013. With a 60.1% increase, the Leon has boosted SEAT sales. In the first three months of the year, the car manufacturer has delivered 34,600 units of the Leon, 13,000 more than in the first quarter of 2013 (21,600). The ST estate version of the Leon, on the market since the end of last year, has totalled 8,000 units. Growth of Toledo sales (+28.1%; total 4,700 vehicles) and the Alhambra (+14.1%; total 5,200) have also contributed to the up-turn in sales.

SEAT President Jürgen Stackmann highlighted the fact that “after a very positive 2013, sales continue on an upward trend in the first quarter of the year. The slight recovery seen in the main European markets and above all the success of the Leon will continue to give momentum to our growth in 2014”. Dr. Andreas Offermann, Vice-President for Sales and Marketing, said that “Germany, the United Kingdom and Eastern Europe are some of the markets making the biggest contribution to maintaining the high rate of deliveries”, adding that “the launch of the new Leon ST has exceeded all expectations. It is already a key model in our range”.

Europe, basis for growth

SEAT sales in Western Europe have grown by 7.8% in the first quarter (73,300; 68,000 in 2013) with 2.3% market share. In SEAT’s main market Germany, it delivered 19,000 vehicles (2013: 16,600), 14.8% more, and is among the top-ten best-selling brands. The brand has also grown in Spain (+0.4%; total: 17,200 units), as well as in the United Kingdom, where last year it made the biggest sales figure in its history, the 13,900 units sold (2013: 11,500) taking deliveries to a staggering 21.0% increase. SEAT has improved its delivery figures in France (+4.6%; total: 6,000 units) and has almost doubled its result in Portugal (+88.6%; total: 1,300 units).

In Eastern Europe, SEAT sales shot up by 85.6% in the first quarter to 5,700 units (2013: 3,100). The Czech Republic is the main market in the zone, with deliveries of 1,750 units (+123.5%).

Leon family continues to grow

The SEAT vehicle range continues to broaden this year, around the Leon family. The CUPRA, the most powerful model in the brand’s history, is now on sale after its presentation at the Geneva motor show, and the four-wheel-drive Leon ST 4Drive will reach dealerships this April. The family crossover version, the Leon X-PERIENCE, will be appearing towards the end of the year.

Additionally, this month the Ibiza will be given a special version, on the occasion of its 30th anniversary. During the second quarter of the year the Mii by MANGO will reach dealerships, a special version of the brand’s city slicker created in collaboration with the Barcelona-based fashion brand.