SEAT sold just over 36,000 cars in the UK in 2011, with fleet sales up 21% in the same period to give the Spanish brand a near-2% share of the fleet market.

Steve Robertson (Inset), head of fleet and business sales at SEAT, said: ‘Our significant investment in the expanded fleet sales team, together with the compelling nature of our current products, is undoubtedly contributing to our success.

‘With so many new products in the pipeline, I think we are very well placed to build on these strong foundations throughout 2012 and beyond.’

SEAT has doubled its regional fleet sales team from four to eight people, while the fleet team as a whole has grown six-fold since 2008.

Robertson added: ‘We understand what fleets need, and demand, more than anything else these days is the convenience and reassurance of doing business with a reliable manufacturer partner.’

As well as introducing its Fleet Business Centre, SEAT has also recently launched its dedicated Aftersales Fleet Customer Commitment – asking its dealers to adhere to 12 customer service and repair standards.

Robertson said: ‘From providing clear, up-front pricing to delivering guaranteed response times and even ensuring each fleet customer vehicle gets a free wash and vacuum each time it visits a dealer, the 12-point plan ensures fleet drivers know exactly what they can expect from SEAT.’

On the vehicle side of things, SEAT has the new Ibiza which will be offered with a 92g/km E Ecomotive variant, while the Mii city car will have ‘particular appeal’ for businesses operating in an urban environment, according to Robertson.