The Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association is taking on 26 new Seat Aronas to support its high-mileage fleet.

The new fleet of Arona FRs will be integrated into the MND Association fleet as sole supplier over the coming year. The deal for the compact SUVs underpins the charity’s wider strategy to support its duty of care to drivers, develop a greener fleet and reduce running costs.

A combination of factors saw the Arona FR emerge as the car of choice, most notably the competitive TCO – thanks in part to its 1.0 TSI engine – the raft of safety features included and its reputation for quality, said Seat.

Most of the MND Association’s fleet drivers are regionally based across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and act as a point of contact for people with motor neurone disease.

Phil Day, facilities manager at the MND Association, explained: “As a charity helping thousands of people affected by motor neurone disease, our fleet of vehicles is crucial and has to be practical, safe and ultimately cost-effective.

“From the get-go, the Seat fleet team was passionate about helping support our fleet; trying to understand the charity to tailor their offering.

“The Arona FR is a strong proposition already, but that dedication to customer service went above and beyond to seal the deal.”

Lindsay Ephgrave, area fleet manager at Seat UK, said: “We know the quality of the Seat range – our job is to make sure that we understand our customers so we can tailor our offering to their needs, and our agreement with the MND Association is a real sign of how valued that approach is.

“Whether it’s trying to reduce running costs, support driver duty of care or simply offer staff a practical and comfortable drive, we know – if it’s an Ibiza or Leon, Ateca, or Arona, we can cater to those needs all while remaining competitively priced. That, alongside our service levels, is why Seat Fleet continues to strike a chord with businesses.”