Records smashed for SEAT

Records smashed across the board for SEAT retail and fleet sales, UK car market share, as well as Ibiza and Leon sales



The New SEAT Leon X-perience, one of the showcase models helping SEAT achieve record growth

For the sixth consecutive year, SEAT has smashed its UK sales record. Selling 53,512 cars in total, the sporty Spanish brand gained 18.1 per cent on 2013. Outpacing the UK car market’s own growth by nearly 100 per cent, the firm narrowly missed out on chasing down both Honda and MINI, with market share up too, from 2 per cent to 2.16 per cent.
Just as crucially, SEAT performed well in the right channels. Its retail sales rocketed upwards by almost a quarter to 29,901, while its fleet team more than held its own, posting 23,611 sales, a substantial increase of 11.2 per cent on the 21,239 in 2013.

Within SEAT’s six–model line-up, the Leon family led the charge, outstripping the iconic Ibiza for the first time. With 23,125 sales, no doubt its sizeable awards haul in 2014, as well as the full year impacts of its SC (Sports Coupé) and ST (Sports Tourer) derivatives aided its 50.8 per cent gain on the year before. Chasing it hard was the three-model Ibiza range, ending the year on 22,500.

Again, shattering another SEAT UK record, up 13.8 per cent on 2013.
Commenting on its latest set of impressive sales figures, SEAT UK Director Neil Williamson, said, “To set another sales record in the UK is fantastic and I’d like to take the opportunity to thank the SEAT UK team, as well as our dealer partners, in achieving such a superb result for 2014. There’s a real sense of momentum with our brand at the moment, which we’ll be looking to capitalise on in the months ahead, with unsurprisingly, yet more ambitious growth targets to hit. “We’ve made great strides in fleet and retail over the last couple of years, so as well as cementing our position in both in 2015, the most pleasing thing for me will be the upgrading of our UK dealer network. It’s a huge undertaking to install our new corporate identity across  130-plus sites, but I’m confident the more modern and upmarket look will allow us to deliver an even greater customer experience, in line with the desirability and high quality of our cars.”

SEAT delivered 390,500 cars internationally in 2014

SEAT ended 2014 having delivered 390,500 internationally, 10 per cent more than in 2013 (355,000), its best achievement since 2007. As a result, SEAT has accumulated 21.7 per cent growth in the last two years alone, having found homes for almost 70,000 vehicles more than in 2012 (321,000). The UK cemented its position as the brand’s third largest market, behind Spain and Germany.

SEAT sales have been largely boosted by the Leon family. In 2014, it saw a 50 per cent increase, rising to 154,100 units, 51,300 more than the previous year. Since the launch of the new generation in 2012 – the first with three different bodystyles – the Leon has more than doubled its sales, and has posted a 116 per cent increase (2012: 71,200 vehicles). It has also achieved the best sales results since its launch in 1999, and for the first time has replaced the Ibiza as SEAT’s best-selling car.
 
The ST estate version of the Leon, launched at the end of 2013, accounted for a healthy volume of 47,100 units – 30.5 per cent of the model’s overall figure. The brand’s MPV, the SEAT Alhambra, also achieved double-digit growth in 2014, exceeding 23,000 units (23,100; +15.6 per cent).
SEAT Executive Committee Chairman Jürgen Stackmann, made a satisfactory assessment of these results.

“For the second year running SEAT sales have seen double-digit growth. The Leon family has been a turning point in our history. It has become the second pillar of the brand and has opened the door to new customers”. Stackmann said of 2015: “Our goal is to consolidate growth. The range is going to grow and be renewed this year, starting with the models we already have, and we are getting ready for the immediate future – the arrival of the compact SUV in 2016”.

New Golf GTE available to order from today @ Pulman Fleet

Plug-in hybrid will be open for order from today

The long-awaited Golf GTE will open for ordering today 14^th January 2015.

The open for order date was pushed back because of a delay in right-hand drive production. This was caused by the increased volume needed to sell the car through all UK Retailers, and greater than expected demand worldwide

Our new plug-in hybrid version of the multi-award-winning Golf hatchback combines the benefits of electric mobility with the dynamics of a Golf GTI. It provides the fifth variety of drive type for the Golf, which is now available with petrol, diesel, natural gas (not in the UK), electric and hybrid power.

The name of the Golf GTE reflects its position in the line-up alongside the iconic petrol-powered GTI and the diesel GTD. Where ‘GT’ stands for ‘Gran Tourismo’, ‘I’ stands for ‘Injection’, ‘D’ for Diesel and ‘E’ for Electricity.

Impressive, economical performance

The Golf GTE is driven by two engines: a 1.4-litre 150 PS TSI direct-injection petrol engine and a 102 PS electric motor. Together, they combine to produce power of 204 PS and a theoretical range of around 580 miles.

Using the electric motor alone, the GTE is capable of speeds of 81 mph. With the TSI engine as well, the Golf GTE can sprint from zero to 62 mph in 7.6 seconds and on to 135 mph.  Torque is a remarkable 350 Nm (258 lbs ft).

Alongside this impressive performance, the Golf GTE offers remarkable fuel efficiency, with a combined cycle figure of 188 mpg* and CO2 emissions of 35 g/km* (*provisional data). In pure electric mode (activated at the press of a button), the Golf GTE can travel up to 31 miles, depending on conditions, and the electric power can also be saved – for example when driving to a zero-emissions zone.

The 8.8 kWh lithium-ion battery can be charged in around three and a half hours from a domestic mains outlet, or two and a half hours from a domestic wallbox.  The battery weighs 120 kg, giving the GTE a total kerbweight of 1,520 kg.

The Golf GTE uses a six-speed DSG gearbox with a triple-clutch system specially developed for hybrid vehicles. The electric motor is integrated into the gearbox housing, while further hybrid components include power electronics and a charger. An electro-mechanical brake servo and an electric air-conditioning compressor make for energy-efficient braking and air conditioning. 

For more information please contact Simon Cullen @ Pulman Fleet on 0191 383 7505 or email scullen@pulmanfleet.co.uk

The all new Volkswagen Passat

The all new Volkswagen Passat

The Volkswagen Passat is set to arrive at Pulman Volkswagen in January 2015 and we can’t wait. It’s the eighth of its generation and is available to order now.

The New Passat is built of the revolutionary MQB platform meaning a range of new technologies will be available. New technologies include; Car net guide and inform – an in car connection to the internet via a smartphone Wi-Fi spot which provides the driver with online traffic data, news and weather which can be accessed through the colour touchscreen infotainment system. Another new feature the Passat boosts is traffic jam assist which brakes, accelerates and steers automatically easing the strain for the driver in stop and go traffic.  Other new features include predictive pedestrian protection, emergency assist and trailer assist.

In addition the new Passat benefits from a range of new efficient engines meaning a reduction of up to 14 percent in C02 emissions.  The Passat comes in a range of diesel only engines with the entry engine being 1.6 litre unit producing 120ps and is available in a 6-speed manual gearbox and 7 speed DSG transmissions. A brand new Bi-Turbo engine coupled with a 7-speed DSG gearbox and 4MOTION is also available, producing 240PS and with a 0-62mph acceleration speed of 6.1 seconds.



Despite exterior dimensions marginally smaller than those of the previous Passat, interior space is improved, with more leg and head room, as well as increased luggage space. The interior has been developed to match the sophisticated exterior through the use of high quality materials and a design that creates an air of spaciousness. The new Passat comes with high specification as standard with a dramatically styled R-Line topping the range.

For more information on the new Passat visit www.pulmanvolkswagen.co.uk or call Pulman Volkswagen Durham 0191 383 2444 and 0191 549 29 26 for Pulman Volkswagen Sunderland.

Volkswagen successfully defend WRC title!

Volkswagen successfully defend WRC title!

Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia have claimed the World Rally Championship title after victory at the Rally Spain.

The win – the pair’s seventh of the season – leaves them with an unassailable 31-point lead in the
drivers’ and co-drivers’ standings going into the final event, Rally Great Britain. It was also Volkswagen’s 11th win in the 12 events this season, equalling Citroën's previous two best results – 11 out of 16 rallies in 2005 and 11 out of 15 in 2008.

Volkswagen team-mates Jari-Matti Latvala and Miikka Anttila took second place in Spain to clinch the tenth one-two victory for Volkswagen in the WRC. Andreas Mikkelsen and Ola Fløene finished seventh in Spain, guaranteeing them at least third place in the championship.

Ogier said: “It's a fantastic feeling to become world champion for a second time! I'm over the moon – it was a real battle to defend the title. Jari-Matti Latvala showed an incredibly strong performance in the last few months.

“Big thanks go to our fantastic team at Volkswagen. Not just for giving us a fantastic car throughout the season but also for the unique solidarity that we have. It doesn't matter whether things are going well or badly – the team stands by every driver crew and that is extremely motivating. I'm happy and proud to be part of this team.”

Ogier and Ingrassia are only the fourth duo since 1977 to successfully defend the title and are now the eighth team to become double world champions.

Which one to choose? Volkswagen, SEAT or SKODA?

As a Fleet Manager it can be a tough a choice to know what is the best car and package available for your fleet, which car will give you the best running costs and who will help you look after your fleet? Is contract hire, leasing or outright purchase the way to go? What mix of cars do you need? All questions a Fleet Manager faces to ensure there is no downtime on their own business needs.

Paul Adams, Senior Fleet Manager at Pulman Group comments: “It can be very challenging for Owners and Fleet Managers to be informed of all the options available to them. Here at Pulman we have a fantastic team of specialist account managers who primary purpose it to help and deliver a fantastic customer experience.”

Pulman Group, based across the North East specialise in offering Volkswagen, SEAT and SKODA cars from small, medium local businesses to large fleets. Providing a range of solutions from contract hire, PCP and even the short-term 28 day rental for that extra car when needed.

Paul continues, “To offer such a fantastic range cars is fantastic to support any Fleet Manager in keeping those running costs down. We also offer very competitive rates for contract hire and short term rentals.

Above all we dedicate ourselves to delivering a fantastic customer experience. Giving advice and support when needed through a dedicated Volkswagen, SEAT and SKODA Account Manager. Ensuring the package we propose is the package our customers need. When you join Pulman, you join our family which means you can use one of our fantastic meeting rooms if needed, free WiFi, collect and delivery service, free courtesy cars and corporate hospitality at Newcastle United, Sunderland AFC and Metro Radio Arena.”

When deciding which car you need next, Pulman Group not only have a fantastic and reliable range of Volkswagen Group cars: Volkswagen, SEAT and SKODA to choose from, but are there to support and supply the right cars at the right time for the businesses needs and requirements.

If your fleet consists of a range of Volkswagen, SEAT or SKODA cars, or Volkswagen commercial vehicles already, Pulman can also help, with Volkswagen Group factory trained technicians to service and look after your vehicles. Add to this our fantastic winter tyre scheme: Pulman supply, fit and store winter and summer tyres on behalf of companies, ensuring minimum downtime Pulman can deliver a fantastic customer experience.

For more information on how Pulman Group can help you contact Paul Adams on 0191 383 7505 or visit www.pulmanfleet.co.uk – join us on LinkedIn for up-to-date fleet news.

Bike rider bags a £900 ŠKODA bike from Pulman ŠKODA

After a very successful Durham Big Ride there was an extra surprise for one of the riders, in the form of a brand new ŠKODA bike from Pulman ŠKODA, who pride themselves on delivering a fantastic customer experience!

Nic Luker was the lucky winner of the £900 ŠKODA MTB 27 bike from Pulman ŠKODA Durham, who came on board to supply lead cars for both the Durham Big Ride and The Beast.

"I have a job that takes me across the country so I was lucky to be in the area when the Beast ride was on.  I live in Surrey so I hope to get back up here to Durham to do the Beast again - might even be on my new bike!"

Nic actually thought it was a joke when Pulman ŠKODA contacted him to say he had won, “I don't normally win things so when Pulman ŠKODA called to say it was mine, I was surprised and pleased in equal measure. I had a feeling it was a couple of pals playing a joke on me”

Nic collected his prize from the ŠKODA showroom in Durham Pity Me from Gary Irwin, Sales Executive at Pulman ŠKODA:  “The Durham Big Ride is a fantastic event in the local area that has grown year on year. With being a new ŠKODA retailer in Durham we thought it was a fantastic opportunity to get involved with cycling in our local area. We would like to pass our congratulations onto Nic for winning the fantastic ŠKODA bike.”

 

Pulman ŠKODA joined the Pulman family in July 2014 and currently have a pop up showroom near Pulman Volkswagen in Pity me Durham. Pulman are in the process of building a state of the art ŠKODA showroom in Belmont, Durham to continue to give customers a fantastic experience. The state of the art showroom will provide customers with a wide range of choice and state of the art facilities when purchasing a new car.

 

ŠKODA Sales Manager, Ian Jarvis said “We thought this was the perfect opportunity, sponsoring a bike ride event when ŠKODA have a fantastic brand within the cycling community – it made perfect sense. At Pulman we take pride of delivering a fantastic customer experience and are pleased we had this opportunity to giveaway such as fantastic prize.”

 

The Durham Big rides saw over 1,500 people take part in routes ranging from 3 miles to the 50 miles of the beast.

 

SEAT celebrates 5 millionth Ibiza

SEAT’s Martorell plant in Barcelona, Spain, is celebrating the production of the 5 millionth Ibiza. The Spanish Brand reached the milestone on the iconic model’s 30th anniversary.

This week SEAT will celebrate the 30 anniversary of its iconic Ibiza at the Paris Motor Show, which is where the first-ever Ibiza was unveiled to the world three decades ago. The Spanish Brand will also unveil the Leon X-PERIENCE, the brand’s most adventurous version of its compact car.

Since its launch in 1984, the SEAT Ibiza has become the best-selling and most-exported Spanish passenger car. Seventy per cent of those 5 million cars (about 3.5 million) have been sold outside Spain in more than 75 countries where the company has a presence. Italy, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Portugal and Mexico have proved to be the most important markets for the best-selling car in SEAT’s history.

Esther García Castellanos, a member of the SEAT Ibiza production team for more than a decade, said: “SEAT has always been a part of my life. My father was an employee at the SEAT plant in the Zona Franca, and this is the company that has given me the opportunity to get ahead in my career. I have always worked on the Ibiza production line. For me, reaching the figure of 5 million cars produced is the result of the passion we put in every day, the motivation of the personnel and positive proof of a job well done”.

Did you know that...?

• 700 SEAT Ibiza leave the Martorell plant every day
• It employs around 1,600 people
• Around 700 robots contribute to the success of the SEAT Ibiza
• An Ibiza covers around 12km during its production process
• Five million Ibiza models placed end-to-end would stretch almost 19,300 km, the distance between Martorell in Spain and Auckland in New Zealand
• The five million Ibizas have consumed a total of 70 million kilograms of paint
• The Ibiza with female touches:
  • The first SEAT to open the door to women on the production line
  • Women account for 21 per cent of the production line
  • Two pop icons, Shakira and Katy Perry, have provided the music for the best-selling car’s advertising spots
• The approximate price of the Ibiza in 1984 was 825,000 pesetas (4,950€). This is the equivalent of 15,620€ at today’s prices
• The SEAT Ibiza was the official car at the Barcelona Olympic Games 1992