SEAT launches in China

SEAT has announced plans to expand into the Chinese automotive market next year. The announcement was made by the company’s President, James Muir, at the opening day of the 2011 Shanghai Auto Show.

Mr Muir said: “SEAT is a brand on the move – a brand that is growing in its existing markets, with a loyal, passionate customer base, and now expanding into new markets. This is the most exciting time in the Company’s history and I am confident SEAT will establish a unique position in the Chinese market, as we have in every other market where we operate.”

He went on to explain how the manufacturer is aiming to establish the SEAT brand name in the minds of potential customers before the Leon and Ibiza models go on sale in 2012. Mr Muir also went on to say how SEAT, like many other manufacturers lately, has identified that the time is right to expand into the Chinese market with European vehicles.

“Shanghai shares many of the qualities of SEAT’s home city, Barcelona. It is dynamic, open and welcoming. Its citizens are passionate, lively and dynamic and it feels like the perfect time and place to announce SEAT’s launch in China,” he said.

Executive Vice-president of Sales & Marketing and Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Group China, Mr Weiming Soh, welcomed the addition of SEAT:

“Volkswagen Group China is really happy to welcome another member of the family to China. SEAT has a great track record of designing and producing distinctive cars in Europe and we are confident that the Chinese public will enthusiastically embrace SEAT here too,” said Mr Soh.

The vehicles sold by SEAT in China will continue to be manufactured at the Martorell production plant in Spain.