SEAT is celebrating yet another awards triumph with the news that it has come out top in the exhaustive Car Dealer Power survey.
Scores of SEAT franchises nationwide took part in the influential survey, which gives UK car dealers the opportunity to rate their brands on everything from finance offers and warranty arrangements to marketing, brand awareness, bonus structure and return on investment.
SEAT soared to the top of the Car Dealer poll with a score of 90 per cent, a massive leap of 18 places on its position in last year's survey. It also claimed the title of most improved manufacturer.
“Let's look at the cold hard facts: not only did SEAT win this year's Car Dealer Power survey to be awarded the 'Best manufacturer to represent' title but it did so in style as the most improved maker, too!,” said Car Dealer editor James Baggott. “That really is something to be proud of.'
“The Spanish firm has clearly listened to concerns from its dealer network and tackled problem areas. Stock levels, bonuses and return on investment were all cited as problem areas in 2010 – but now all three receive either 'faultless' or 'excellent' ratings.
“SEAT's success in Car Dealer Power really is to be applauded – not just for being top of the pile, but because they listened to dealers' concerns in 2010 and fixed the problems.”
Overall, SEAT scored eight 'excellent' ratings where last year no area achieved higher than a 'good'. Marketing in print and on the radio was cited as impressive, while the extensive Ecomotive range was another factor in SEAT’s success, said dealers.
Peter Wyhinny, Director of SEAT UK, warmly welcomed the great feedback from dealers: “I'm very pleased to see that our network is so happy at the moment.
“The dedicated SEAT UK Operations team and, indeed, the whole staff at SEAT UK headquarters work tirelessly to support our dealers, improve processes and generate innovative ideas to help them improve their sales and profitability.
"I'm very happy to see the dealer network recognise the team's endeavours.
“Clearly, this exceptional effort is paying dividends and – with a major product offensive just around the corner – I’m sure our dealers can look forward to a very busy and productive future.”