SEAT president James Muir said: ‘The Chinese market offers a great opportunity for a brand like ours. SEAT is synonymous with design, being young in spirit and sportiness – attributes which are greatly appreciated in this market’.

The brand has said that it will start exporting the Leon and Ibiza in 2012 – production will remain in Spain, at the Martorell production plant near Barcelona.

Mr Muir said: ‘Our research shows that Chinese car buyers value performance and dynamism. Furthermore, technology and state-of-the-art engineering are important to them and they are very design-conscious.’

He added: ‘On this basis, we are satisfied that SEAT will bring something fresh and new to the car market in China, helping us to establish a brand identity and a position in the market which is uniquely SEAT’s.’