Seat Ireland Parks 2017 On A High

• 2017 saw an 18% increase in SEAT new car sales across Ireland
• The Ibiza is announced as the brand’s bestselling model in 2017 followed closely by the Ateca
• SEAT Ireland ended the year with over 3,300 vehicles delivered – highest in 10 years
• SEAT Ireland achieves its best profit result ever

SEAT Ireland has wrapped up 2017 on a record-breaking high. Over the last twelve months, SEAT’s performance in the Irish market has led to phenomenal growth for the car brand, with an 18% increase in registrations year on year against a market decline of 10%.

Results show there were a total of 3,318 SEAT registrations in 2017. Fuelling SEAT’s incredible success in 2017 was the iconic SEAT Ibiza, which was the brand’s best-selling vehicle overall. The fifth generation of this new model reached Irish shores just six months ago and has since been shortlisted for ‘European Car of the Year 2018’. The SEAT Ateca, SEAT’s award-winning, first ever SUV model, came a close second enjoying outstanding sales in its first full year of trading, with over 850 units delivered in 2017.

SEAT Ireland has benefited financially from this strong sales result and from strategically recognising and then satisfying the demand in today’s market for higher specification models. This is evident as sales of its high end Xcellence and FR models surged accounting for 31% of total sales compared to just 8% two years ago. The brand has achieved its best profit result since SEAT Ireland became a subsidiary of SEAT SA in 2009.

Furthermore, SEAT’s commitment to offering motorists very attractive finance offers has led to a surge in the number of customers financing their purchase, with 51.8% of sales assisted through Volkswagen Bank. This is compared to 42.1% in 2016.

Commenting on what has been a tremendously successful period, Niall Phillips, Brand Director at SEAT Ireland said: “2017 was a remarkable year for SEAT Ireland. We are incredibly proud of these hugely impressive results, which are testament to our biggest ever product offensive, our targeted and strategic approach to marketing the brand, our outstanding dealer network across Ireland, and of course, our dedication to continuously offering high quality products at affordable prices.”