In the first quarter of this year, SEAT’s Martorell factory (Spain) was recognised as the "best factory" of the VW Group. This honour illustrates why SEAT became number one in its domestic market (Spain) this year, and is an important reminder that SEAT’s sporty appeal is a key factor for sales.

The Martorell factory, recognised for its production excellence, also reached an important milestone in November this year when the two millionth vehicle rolled off the production line.

SEAT’s rallying heritage is an important element for the brand and 1998 was another successful year for the SEAT Sport rally team. 1999 promises even greater rewards in the World Rally Championship.

This year, the SEAT Sport Formula Two rally team secured their third successive World Rally Championship, establishing the team as one of the most successful rally teams in Formula Two rally history.

SEAT Sport’s ongoing success led to the debut of the SEAT WRC (World Rally Car) at the Rally of Finland in August. It was a significant event for a team that plans to consolidate its rally success over the next two years, working toward championship victory in 2000.

SEAT’s worldwide progress this year provides an important insight into the brand’s potential in the Australian market. The Australian model range captures the same sporty appeal and reaps the rewards of the brand’s strength in Europe.

The new range, introduced to Australia in October, captures the essence of SEAT’s sporty heritage. The range is feature-packed, and delivers a high level of quality and performance.

A further enhancement to the Australian range will be the introduction of the much-anticipated new SEAT Toledo model, debuted at the Paris Motor Show this year. The new Toledo is expected mid-late 1999 and price will be determined further into the New Year.

SEAT will lock in the price-leading Cordoba 1.6 SE for 1999 at the current price of $16,990, retaining the car as the most competitively priced European four-door sedan in the Australian market.

Feeling the effects of faltering exchange rates, SEAT Australia will be forced to raise the prices of the Cordoba 1.6 and 1.8 SXE models and the Ibiza Cupra Sport by $500 and $1,000 respectively, effective January 1, 1999.

The 1999 prices of the range are as follows: Cordoba SXE 1.6 manual - $22,490, Cordoba SXE 1.8 auto - $24,490, Ibiza Cupra Sport 2.0 manual - $27,990. The Cordoba SE and the Toledo models will remain unaffected at this stage.

The 1999 range already has a high feature-level and the standard equipment on the Cordoba and Ibiza models, including; six-speaker CD-compatible system, dual air-bags, electric windows, central locking, tinted windows, adjustable steering column, and immobiliser, delivers incredible value.

The appointment of the first exclusive Australian SEAT dealer in Sydney, the significant value of the range and the promise of the new SEAT Toledo model to Australia late next year, has already excited the market.