SEAT has achieved a record market share for the last 12 months of 1.62% which comfortably exceeds its previous best share of 1.50% - registered in 2009.

What's more December's market share of 1.65% matches the all-time record for the month, precisely equalling the previous best of 1.65% from 2003. And this sales success is all the more encouraging when set against the UK's ongoing uncertain economic background.

The 2010 total of 32,935 new vehicles beats 2009's figure of 29,987 and means that 2010 is only the fifth time in the brand's 25-year history in the UK that its sales have exceeded 30,000.

Strong performances across the entire range helped SEAT UK to its 2010 total of 32,935 new car sales, an increase of almost ten per cent on the 2009 figure and one that comfortably outperforms the market as a whole which was up by just 1.8% in the same period.

Ibiza 5dr, SC and new ST were, again, SEAT's biggest sellers in 2010 with more than 17,100 finding homes here, while the perennially popular Leon supported its supermini sibling with just shy of 10,500 registrations last year.

The Exeo family of saloon and estate models is making an increasingly important contribution to SEAT's sales, their combined total of more than 2,400 registrations in 2010 now making them the brand's third biggest seller here, overtaking Altea and Altea XL in the process.

Meanwhile SEAT's growing appeal is reaping big rewards in its home market, too. The brand has grabbed leadership in its domestic market for the first time in more than 30 years, taking more than nine per cent of Spain's 982,015 new car sales in 2010.

Company president James Muir said: "Securing leadership in the Spanish market is a sign of the comeback SEAT is making. This success in the domestic market will help us boost the growth of our brand across Europe."

Meanwhile managing director of SEAT UK, Peter Wyhinny said: "SEAT's stunning sales growth here over the last 12 months - which has massively outperformed the market as a whole - is testament to both the quality of our cars and the commitment of our dealers."

"With one of the youngest volume manufacturer line-ups out there, plus a strong and successful network of dedicated dealers nationwide, SEAT is ideally placed to build on the success of 2010."

"Over the next 12 months I expect us to accelerate our continued growth here in the UK as we look to support SEAT's ambitious plans throughout Europe."

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