SEAT recruits dealers in bid to boost company car sales

SEAT is starting to increase its dealer network by about 25% as it gears up to increase company car sales with the launch next month of the all-new Toledo. There are 122 SEAT dealers nationwide and within the next 18 months the manufacturer hopes to have added a further 36. Talks are ongoing with about 15 potential franchisees.

The move to increase its dealer coverage comes as SEAT bids to boost UK new car sales from 18,647 last year to about 30,000 units by 2002 with corporate business accounting for 50%-plus sales. The attack will be led by the new Toledo which goes on sale in the first week of April. The car is being built in the Volkswagen Group's Brussels plant. The new model will have a choice of four engines and two trim levels with on-the-road prices of 1.6S £14,295, 1.8S £14,995, 1.9 TDI S £15,895, 1.8 SE £15,995, 1.9 TDI £16,895 and 2.3 V5 £17,595.