China Daily - The Spanish auto brand SEAT, now a part of Volks-wagen Group in China, is showing its emphasis on the Chinese market with a strong presence at the Beijing Auto Show.

Following the market launch of the Leon, its new Ibiza model is set to expand SEAT's lineup in China.

The Ibiza Cupra concept car making its world premiere in Beijing is a close-to-production preview of the new generation from the sporty brand.

At the same time, new SEAT showrooms will open simultaneously on April 24 in eight major Chinese cities.

"SEAT has arrived in China," said Weiming Soh, management board member and executive vice-president of Volkswagen Group China.

"We are making a success story with our state-of-the-art, attractive city showrooms and with the SEAT Leon as the entry model."

The new showrooms will be in Changsha, Chengdu, Chongqing, Nanjing, Shenzhen, Suzhou, Wuhan and Zhengzhou.

"All of the showrooms feature exclusive design in line with the new SEAT brand identity. They convey a unique brand experience for all the senses. The SEAT dealer network in China will expand further over the next few months, reaching 15 by the end of 2012," Soh added.

Ibiza Cupra concept

At the Beijing Auto Show, SEAT is presenting the Ibiza Cupra, a close-to-production concept car as a world premiere.

It epitomizes SEAT's sporty DNA in its most concentrated form - outstanding performance, state-of-the-art technology and extensive equipment, all clad in an emotional design that has been carefully and consistently developed.

With its compact form, it is a sports car for every day. It combines agile driving fun with a high degree of functionality. As a subsequent production model, the Cupra will crown the Ibiza model range in China.

Following the market launch of the Leon on March 31 in Shenzhen, SEAT is expanding its lineup in China with the new Ibiza as an import vehicle produced in Spain.

With its stunning design, the Ibiza fits the unique positioning of the SEAT brand in the Chinese market and reinforces the brand's reputation as a pioneer of emotional automotive design.

The compact model from Spain combines its expressive appearance with technological competence, absolute precision and outstanding quality - in keeping with the German DNA of the Spanish brand as part of the Volkswagen Group.

The new Ibiza will be offered in all three versions - the five-door that is as dynamic as it is practical, the three-door SC Sport Coupe and the ST, the most beautiful estate car in its segment.

Source:gasgoo.com