SEAT will open 15 Dealerships in China next year to establish its Dealer network in one of the world’s fastest-growing car markets. The Dealer network will cover China’s main cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing, Shenzhen, Wuhan, Chengdu and Guangzhou.
SEAT’s plans for expansion were announced yesterday (21 November) by James Muir, Chairman of SEAT’s Executive Committee, at the Brand’s first appearance at the Guangzhou motor show.
“Expansion in China from 2012 onwards is an exciting chapter in the history of our brand,” said Muir. “We are working to create a Dealership network which will accompany us on the road to success.
“Our overarching aim is to be present in the country’s most important cities; at a later stage we want to expand the network until we cover all the most important urban areas of the country.”
“SEAT’s arrival is an important step for the strategy of the Volkswagen Group in China, since it completes the Group’s brand line-up there,” said Weiming Soh, member of the Executive Committee and Executive Vice-President of the Volkswagen Group in China. “SEAT will bring its Chinese customers a unique and innovative driving experience.”
SEAT Chairman James Muir at the Guangzhou motor show
SEAT’s plans for expansion were announced yesterday (21 November) by James Muir, Chairman of SEAT’s Executive Committee, at the Brand’s first appearance at the Guangzhou motor show.
“Expansion in China from 2012 onwards is an exciting chapter in the history of our brand,” said Muir. “We are working to create a Dealership network which will accompany us on the road to success.
“Our overarching aim is to be present in the country’s most important cities; at a later stage we want to expand the network until we cover all the most important urban areas of the country.”
“SEAT’s arrival is an important step for the strategy of the Volkswagen Group in China, since it completes the Group’s brand line-up there,” said Weiming Soh, member of the Executive Committee and Executive Vice-president of the Volkswagen Group in China. “SEAT will bring its Chinese customers a unique and innovative driving experience.”
SEAT is showcasing the Leon and Ibiza at the Guangzhou motor show, which will go on sale in China in spring next year and the second half of 2012 respectively.
Also on display are the Alhambra, and, for the first time ever, the Brand’s three newest concept cars: the IBL saloon, the IBX SUV and the IBE sport coupé.
SEAT has also laid the foundation stone of its first Dealership in Guangzhou. “The symbolic meaning of this act is our arrival in China,” said Paul Sevin, SEAT Vice-President for Sales and Marketing.
“SEAT aspires to be among the most prominent imported brands in the Chinese market. China, together with other countries such as Russia and Mexico, will contribute to increasing exports and the growth of our sales over the next few years.”
SEAT is currently preparing to launch the rest of its sales and marketing network, and is hiring and training staff to get the 15 Dealerships up and running by spring 2012.
The Brand has also opened its Chinese headquarters in Beijing’s financial district, which is currently manned by a staff of 20.
Representatives from SEAT and the Guangzhou Dealership lay the building’s foundation stone.
SEAT’s stand at the Guangzhou motor show.