The brand broke through the 400,000 annual vehicle sales barrier for the first time since 2007, with a total of 400,037 units in 2015, up 2.4%.

Sales were up in Spain (77,200 vehicles; +14.3%) and Italy (15,900; +22.1%), as well as Germany (87,800; +3.8%) and Mexico market (24,100; +13.2%), which is the fourth largest for SEAT. In addition, the brand achieved its best-ever sales results in countries such as Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Turkey, Israel, Tunisia and Morocco.

Sales of the Leon went up by 4.4% (total: 160,900 units) and was once again the brand’s top-selling car. Meanwhile, the Alhambra posted the highest increase (17.2%) and achieved the second best sales result in its history (27,000). The Ibiza also made progress, with a 2.4% growth, amounting to a total of 153,600 delivered vehicles.

Looking ahead, executive committee chairman Luca de Meo explained that “the highlight of 2016 will be the launch of the first compact SUV in the history of the company”, which is due to reach the dealerships in the middle of the year. It will be joined by three more new models in 2016 and 2017.

“The SUV is set to become the brand’s third major pillar, together with the Leon and the Ibiza, and will enable us to cover the fastest growing segment in recent years,” said Mr de Meo.