SEAT the Spanish car maker which is part of the VW Automotive Group has reported an increase in its sales for July 2010. Dealerships are very eager to be part of SEAT's successful formula, who can blame them? SEAT's new car sales are going through the roof and its market share is at its record highest.
To understand why dealerships are so eager to acquire SEAT franchises we just have to look at SEAT's figures. To the end of July 2010 SEAT had sold a fraction under 20,000 new cars in the UK, an increase of almost 4,000 - or around 24% - on the same period last year. Market share, year-to-date, is running at a record 1.6% while for the month of July that figure leapt still further to an impressive 1.9%.
The dealer network, including SEAT dealerships in Scotland , currently stands at a record 129 with just a handful of open points around the country remaining. Recent dealer acquisition activity has seen some of the motor industry's large dealer groups establish or strengthen their relationships with SEAT. Most recently top ten UK automotive retailer Vertu Motors plc acquired SEAT dealership GK Motors, in Derby.
More big name dealer groups in the industry currently operating SEAT franchises include Lookers and Arnold Clark. The UK National Franchise Manager commented "A cracking line-up of new cars - including the newly-launched Ibiza ST, thrilling Leon Cupra R and forthcoming new Alhambra people carrier - helps to create the most attractive model range we have ever offered."
