SEAT is aiming to double its fleet and business car sales over the next four years with the Toledo replacement due to go on sale in 12 months heading the charge. Last year the Spanish manufacturer, which is a sister company of Volkswagen, Audi and Skoda, sold 16,753 cars in the UK with sales split equally between corporate and retail.

By 2002 the company is looking to increase sales to 30,000 units and in the process double its market share to 1.5% while retaining a 50/50 split between the two segments. The company believes its growth will come in the fleet and business markets with rental volumes reducing as contract hire and leasing business increases. Such a move will continue to protect residual values.

The company has seen fleet success with its Ibiza, Cordoba and Alhambra models and if city cars take-off in the UK it has the Arosa. However, SEAT's 'big' car will be the Toledo replacement, codenamed S5, which will go on sale in the UK early next year following its world debut at the Paris Motor Show in September. Priced between £14,000 and £17,000 the new car will be built on the Audi A3/new Golf platform. It will initially be launched as a notchback similar in size to the Audi A4/Renault Laguna with a hatchback version to follow similar in size to the Audi A3.