Camps International, has taken delivery of 11 Leon E Ecomotive models and one Ibiza E Ecomtive. The company offers a range of gap year volunteering experiences and school expeditions at locations across East Africa, Latin America and South East Asia.

The Hampshire-based company’s sales team will use these ultra-economical, low-emission vehicles to travel to schools and colleges the length and breadth of Britain, liaising with young people and organisations interested in all manner of life-changing travel options.

By Camps International using these stylish new additions, they will slash its fuel costs as well as making significant savings on tax as a result of the cars’ impressive environmental credentials.

Camps International Group Financial Controller, Carl Palmer, said: ‘We were looking at all the options, but the SEAT Ecomotive range ticked all the boxes for us.

‘We’re a carbon-neutral company and we take our responsibility to the environment very seriously which is why it was very important that we opted for a clean car with low emissions. But we were also incredibly impressed with the fuel economy of the Ibiza and Leon Ecomotives, and the savings we could make by running them.

‘We were also offered a terrific deal by the local dealer, Snows SEAT, and, having worked with the dealership before, we knew they’d give us a great service.’

SEAT’s Leon and Ibiza E Ecomotive models are the ideal choice for fleet operators like Camps International, with their blend of comfort, style, practicality and ecomony.

The Leon boasts a state-of-the-art common rail turbodiesel engine, Brake Energy Recovery technology, Start/Stop system and enhanced aerodynamics, which gives the Leon an impressive combined cycle economy figure of 74.3 mpg. While the Ibiza E Ecomotive employs the same technology to give a fuel economy figure of 80.7 mpg…. AND, both models are exempt from road tax.

Sally Livingstone-Dennis, SEAT UK National Fleet Sales Manager, said; ‘SEAT’s range of Ecomotive models are proving increasingly popular with business car users, fleet operators and private motorists. And it’s easy to see why.

‘All the models in the range offer exceptional fuel economy which is a crucial consideration given that fuel costs always seem to be rising. But, despite this economy, Ecomotive drivers sacrifice nothing in terms of comfort, convenience or driving enjoyment.

‘In addition, given that the models boast such low emissions, they are the perfect choice for responsible and ethical businesses such as Camps International.’

Catalonia and Madrid Government will be the first to use these models as their fleet vehicles, which will happen in the next few months. SEAT will then be able to use this to their advantage to assess these cars, with a view to mass produce electric vehicles in the medium-term.

2015 is when SEAT envisage the launch of their first electric plug-in hybrid, then for the all-electric vehicle to follow a year later.

The Spanish manufacturer is unveiling two different but complementary models, complying with SEATs strategy to commit to a wide range of alternative technologies.

SEAT President James Muir said: ‘Customers demand a more sustainable form of mobility, but their needs are diverse. Therefore, we believe that a parallel strategy of developing two different technologies will put SEAT in the best position to meet their needs.’

The announcement of the launch of the first electric vehicles coincides with the start of the biggest new product offensive SEAT has known. The company will launch four new models over the next 12 months, the first being SEAT’s smart new urban vehicle – the Mii.

At SEATs ‘Big Weekend’, any car buyer, will not only get their hands on a shiny new SEAT but will also receive Marks & Spencer vouchers worth up to £400 to go towards the family’s festive celebrations!

All of SEATs offers can be taken advantage of this weekend such as their ‘pay no VAT’ deals. The Big Weekend runs between Friday 18th November and Sunday 20th November.

For any retail order placed during the qualifying period, the buyer receives £200 worth of M&S vouchers, and if SEAT Finance is taken out at the same time, they will receive another £200 worth of M&S vouchers, which adds up to a very handy £400 ‘Christmas Bonus’ from SEAT!

The very popular VAT deals which are currently running are available on the Ibiza 5dr 1.4 SE Copa and the Leon 1.6 TDi S Copa. The weekend plays a big part in SEATs determination to make their models the market leaders.

Announcing the Big Weekend offer SEAT UKs new Head of Marketing, Chris Stevens, said: ‘The SEAT range is already connecting with UK car buyers like never before. Sales records are tumbling and I’m sure this great Christmas bonus, in the form of up to £400 of M&S vouchers, will only attract yet more buyers to our dealers.’

SG Petch Durham are hosting their SEAT Big Weekend, for more information contact SG Petch Durham SEAT on 0191 375 0062!

To add to the already successful SEAT range, they now have a new showroom arrival, the Leon FR+, which is in addition to the Leon FR range, offering a wider range of engines and specification.

Hungry drivers now have the option to purchase the ‘ultimate’ Leon, with the FR+ adding to the Leon’s already sporty styling and sizzling performance.

The hot hatch is now available as a 2.0 TDi CR 140 PS (manual and DSG-auto) or 1.4 TDi 125 PS (manual only). This enables lee-way for customers who may be restricted to cost, engine power or insurance considerations.

The FR+ comes with the standard FR equipment but also adding, 18” Ibera alloy wheels, SEAT Media system 2.2, Sat Nav, five-inch colour touch screen, DAB radio, Bluetooth auto streaming and SD card slot, Bluetooth phone connection, Bi-xenon headlights with AFS (Adaptive front-lighting system) and front and rear parking sensors. The Leon FR+ is a significant step up from the ‘standard’ FR trim, in terms of both equipment and performance.

The FR+ is now available to order with the powerful 2.0 TSi 211 PS and 2.0 TDi CR 170 PS engines. Just in time for September’s sales-surge, the FR line-up starts at only £18,205 RRP rising to £22,615 RRP for SEATs top-of-the-range Leon FR+.

The latest statistics show that SEATs June figures are up by 32% from the same month in 2010, taking 1.68% of the market share, after selling 3,072 vehicles.

SEATs share of the market for the second quarter stands at 1.70%, which is yet another all-time record, proving that SEATs range of stylish, exciting and great value models are appealing to more and more UK buyers.

The cumulative affect of such success brings a third record, at 1.80% SEAT’s share of the new car market for the first six months of the year is another all-time best.

The overall percentage sales for the car market has dropped by six percent, however this has not affected SEAT with their 32% last month.

Going further into June’s sales statistics and SEAT’s performance gets even more convincing.  While the retail market was down 15% last month, SEAT’s retail sales jumped by a quarter.  Similarly, fleet registrations in the market as a whole may have slipped by three per cent in June but SEAT fleet sales were a massive 40% up on the same month in 2010.

SEATs best selling model, which has attracted more than 10,000 buyers into SEATs showrooms so far this year, was the Ibiza, with its three bodystyles, the SC, 5dr and ST. Second in line is the Leon, which has taken more than 5,000 sales. The Exeo saloon and estate grabbed third place, pushing the Altea and Altea XL into fourth, with more thatn 1,400 being sold year-to-date.

Reflecting on an undeniably positive first half of 2011 SEAT UK Head of Operations, Richard Harrison, said: ‘These numbers really do speak for themselves, and show that our growth plan is fully on track.

‘Our dealer network has experienced record levels of interest and sales across the entire range of stylish new SEATs, and it’s clear that the expanded modern range of cars we offer is connecting with buyers like never before.’

The Leon Cupra R is SEAT’s most dominant production model producing 265 PS with a maximum speed of 155 mph and 0-62 mph in 6.2 seconds using its 2.0-litre turbo-charged engine.

Scott said: ‘I think it’s really good looking.  It’s sleek and sporty and the wheels really look fantastic.

‘It has become a bit of a thing with all my mates.  They want to go in my car all the time which means I have to drive everywhere!’

He added: ‘I’ve owned quite a few big and powerful cars but the Leon is right up there with any of them.  It’s fantastic fun to drive and I just love it.

‘The sound system is amazing and I’ve set up my iPhone so I can stream in music and listen to radio stations from the States, and the quality’s brilliant.’

The Leon Cupra R is SEATs most powerful roadgoing car to date and after being launched last year, it is making a greater impression on less high SEAT fans too. From when you order your brand new SEAT Leon Cupra R, you only have to wait three months before you will receive your remarkable and exciting car.

The Leon Cupra R has a remarkably low CO2 emissions figure of only 190 g/km and producing and extremely good 34.9 mpg which extremely high for such a performance car.

Meanwhile, with an attainable price tag of just £25,995 RRP, the Leon Cupra R is also one of the most cost-effective ways into ultra-hot hatch ownership.

Handing over the Leon’s keys to Scott, SEAT UK’s Head of Press and PR Mike Orford said: ‘The appeal of this thrilling SEAT is obvious.  Great hot hatch styling, fabulous performance and SEAT’s trademark sporty ride and handling are all there in spades.

‘And with just a few hundred examples of this car on the road in the UK, it gives its driver the opportunity to really turn heads and stand out from the crowd.’

The launch of the COPA range comes as welcome news to UK car buyers who want THE best value for money on their next purchase as SEAT have put into place a huge marketing campaign across the UK’s press web, TV and radio waves.

SEAT’s best selling models, the Leon (sporty family hatchback) and Ibiza (head-turning supermini), see these high standard specification options available on this incredible COPA range. COPA, pronounced ‘copper’ is the Spanish word for ‘cup’.

In affect, SEAT is including more than £1000-worth of astonishing goodies for nothing, as the Recommended Retail Price (RRP) remains the same as the base of each model!

The COPA trim level is available on all the Ibiza bodystyles – 3 door Sport Coupe, 5 door and ST Estate, with a choice between the increasingly popular engines, 1.2 TDi CR turbodiesel or 1.4 16v petrol.

The COPA range is based on the SE trim level with the following additions for the same price!:

* 16” ‘Fabula’ alloy wheels (1.4 only)
* Climate control (including refrigerated glovebox)
* Rain and light sensors for automatic wipers and lights
* Dark tinted rear windows
* Leather steering wheel and gearknob
* Auto-dimming rear view mirror
* Bespoke COPA upholstery

Ibiza SE Copa prices start at a highly competitive £11,995 RRP for the SC version.

As for the Leon range, the limited edition COPA model is not only available as an extra to the S range (S COPA) but also the SE range (SE COPA).

The S COPA, being based on the S range comes with all the S spec with the following additions for the same price!:

* Dual-zone climate control
* Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity
* Front seat height and lumbar adjustment
* Cruise control
* Bespoke Copa upholstery

So, the SE COPA, comes with all that is available on the SE range with the following additions for the same price also!:

* SEAT Media System
* Rear parking sensors
* Light and rain sensors
* Auto-dimming rear view mirror
* Bespoke Copa upholstery

Buyers can snap up the Leon S Copa 1.2 TSI for £16,180 RRP, while Leon SE COPA buyers can sign on the dotted line for a 1.2 TSI-engined version that costs just £16,940 RRP.

However even that’s not the end of the good news. SEAT is further sweetening the COPA pot with a range of tempting finance deals and discounts that run until the end of June 2011.

Welcoming the arrival of these high spec’, high value new cars SEAT UK’s Head of Marketing, Steve Robertson, said: ‘Our new Copa models could not have come at a more significant time for SEAT in the UK.

‘We’ve just notched up our best ever single month of sales as well as recording our largest-ever share of the UK market, and I’m convinced that the debut of these new models will see even more buyers heading for SEAT showrooms.’

Company car tax is based on a percentage of the vehicle’s recommended retail price, the type of fuel it uses, the amount of CO₂ it emits and the driver’s salary level.

The Chancellor has decided to tighten the lower limit for low-carbon vehicles from April 2013 which reduces the bottom tax bracket, going from 99 g/km – 120 g/km to 92 g/km

With the SEAT Ibiza E Ecomotive CO2 emissions being as little as 92 g/km, this car qualifies for the very lowest diesel tax rate of 13%.

The Ibiza E Ecomotives are available in a range of body styles; the practical 5 door, spacious ST estate and a sporty 3 door sports coupe, all of which are capable of 80 mpg on the official combined cycle, which is why business and fleet managers are choosing these unique, stylish SEATs.

SEAT UK Head of Fleet & Business Sales, Nick Andrews, explained: ‘The Ibiza E Ecomotive range is proving increasingly attractive to a wide variety of our customers with, in particular, the ST version making great inroads thanks to its practicality and style.

‘The revisions to company car tax arrangements announced by the Chancellor this week will only serve to strengthen the Ibiza’s case with business customers who, understandably, are watching every penny at the moment.’”

The impressive 1.2 litre  common rail TDi 75 PS engine, boasts a diesel particulate filter (DPF) as standard. Also, for the first time on Ibiza’s, the latest generation Ecomotives include the use of Brake Energy Recovery and Start/Stop technology, as well as weight reduction, optimised aerodynamics and changes to the engine management making it one of the cleanest cars on the market.

Each body style of the Ibiza is exempt from UK road tax (VED) and are also eligible for free entry to London’s revised Congestion Charge zone.

The Ibiza E Ecomotive models form part of a growing selection of SEAT Ecomotive and E Ecomotive cars that also takes in versions of the Leon, Altea, Altea XL and Alhambra.  Prices start at £13,490 RRP for the Ibiza SC S A/C E Ecomotive.

For further information contact SG Petch Durham SEAT on freephone 0800 0787390

The SEAT IBX boasts a self-confident look, combining the powerful character and sporty design language of the Spanish brand. The IBX also proves exceptional utility and outstanding versatility. Its drive would come from an advanced hybrid powertrain with extensive cross-country range for an internal combustion engine, which also combines local zero-emissions electromobility in the city.

This sporty alternative in the SUV segment measures 4.26 metres long and is the perfect fit for an active lifestyle in urban areas, with a dynamic and unique design alternative, compact dimensions and wide-ranging versatility.

Following the IBE from 2010, the IBX conveys a distinctive design language that, in modernity, sustains and strengthens the SEAT identity. The unveiling of the IBX gives a promising insight into the ongoing development of the SEAT design world.

It is hard to imagine a more accurate expression of the word ‘crossover’ as in the IBX’s proportions, it is a sports utility vehicle, but in its appearance it is clearly a sports coupé.

The front of the IBX displays SEATs’ arrow design with LED technology headlamps that are as sophisticated as they are distinctive – the radiator grille and bonnet also pick up the V-form arrow shape. The air intakes low down on the front end are equally as distinctive, also featuring integrated fog lamps, reinforcing the impression of width and power and wheel arches which are clearly accentuated in their lines like carefully toned, sinuous muscle.

The side view of the IBX emphasises its powerful stature – a clearly defined shoulder, the powerful, sharply differentiated surfaces and three-dimensional flanks which all underscore the dynamic look, as do the large wheels featuring and aerodynamic five twin-spoke design. The sharply cut exterior mirror is mounted on the door, as on a sports car. Sharp precision is also evident in the slender, recessed door openers. The rear end adopts the characteristic form of the front and reinterprets it.

The vehicle, with its electric range of 45 kilometres, can cover many everyday journeys – with zero local emissions and sustainable responsibility. Personal freedom is always guaranteed and unlimited mobility supplied courtesy of the internal combustion engine. The powertrain concept is perfect for the mobility requirements of an urban area, while meeting personal expectations of freedom.

In its base configuration, the IBX is set up for front wheel drive. However, a modern 4WD system might be an option for further enhanced mobility with possible state-of-the-art direct injection TDI and TSI engines from the modern SEAT line-up and efficiency technologies such as the Ecomotive programme.

James Muir, President of SEAT, S.A. said: ‘With the IBX, we are once again demonstrating just how intensively we are working on the renewal of the SEAT brand, and how determined we are to develop for the future.

‘The IBX represents the values of the SEAT brand perfectly – with its unique design, its youthful energy and its outstanding sustainability as a result of its hybrid drive concept. Even though a decision has yet to be taken, we could certainly envisage the IBX as a future expansion of our product portfolio.’

Latest figures show the SEAT Alhambra retains more of its original purchase price after three years/60,000 miles than any of its key competitors, which equates to a very respectful 33% of its value, comfortably beating rivals such as Ford and Renault.

The Alhambra was launched in November 2010 and since then has made a sufficient amount of headline appearances in the motoring press, also grabbing the title of MPV of the year in the respectable What Car? Awards.

The SEAT Alhambra is available in a range of models and engine sizes with a competitive economy rate. Also, comfort is key for the Alhambra offering high specifications as standard.

SEAT UK Alhambra Product Manager James Buckell said: ‘We have worked extremely hard to make our new MPV as attractive as possible to family buyers looking for maximum value for their proverbial ‘buck’.

‘I’m very happy that the Alhambra’s combination of great looks, brilliant functionality, generous standard equipment and a very competitive purchase price has clearly made a big impact on the experts at CAP.’

The new SEAT Alhambra is available to order now, with prices starting from £22,800 RRP.

Contact SG Petch Durham for more information on freephone: 0800 0787390.