A new upper-medium saloon is set to play a key role in building SEAT sales in the corporate sector.

Due to be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show, the as-yet unnamed Spanish challenger to the Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall Insignia has the potential to win an extra 4,000 sales in two years’ time, believes SEAT UK head Peter Wyhinny.

“Our sales nudged the 35,000 mark last year and fleet accounted for 18% of registrations,” he told Fleet News.

“My aim is to grow fleet business to 30% of total volume but it will not be at the expense of retail sales.

"This new car is not intended to be a rival to the premium brands but we see it as a high-end alternative. It will be on offer at high-value prices.”

Based on the platform of the outgoing Audi A4, SEAT’s most ambitious model so far is due to go on sale next spring and will be followed by an estate version later in the year.

“Our plans for growth mean we can’t afford to ignore the
segment,” Mr Wyhinny said.

“Using a group platform allows us to hit the ground running in terms of quality – the integrity of Audi is beyond question.”

SEAT has strengthened its national fleet sales force and is ‘actively encouraging’ its 20 dealer business centres to prepare for the new car by forging closer links with local businesses and fleet operators.