Seat has expanded its UK network with seven new dealers open at the start of 2012.

Sinclair Group, Essex Auto Group, Dales, Mon Motors Group, Eastern Western Motor Group, Snows Group and Currie Motors have all added new sites with the Spanish brand.

Seat has a 1.86% share of the UK market and will be looking to boost that further with new models like its Mii city car.

Sinclair Group, which already represents Seat’s sister brands Volkswagen, Audi and Skoda, has opened a new showroom at its site in Gorseinon Road, Swansea.

Meanwhile, the Essex Auto Group has added a second Seat franchise to its growing portfolio with the opening of a new outlet on the Lakeside retail complex in Thurrock. The group already operates a Seat dealership in Southend-on-Sea.

Additionally, established Seat retailer Dales has added a new showroom on the outskirts of Newquay to its existing site just off the A30 near Redruth to further boost the brand’s showing in the South West.

South Wales retailer Mon Motors Group opened its first Seat franchise in Newport in late November and then Eastern Western Motor Group opened its first Seat dealership in Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

Snows Group, which already operates Seat franchises in Southampton, Portsmouth and Poole – will add another dealership in Salisbury in February.

And Currie Motors, operator of Toyota and Lexus franchises in Middlesex and London, will open a new Seat dealership in North East London in the first quarter of 2012.

Seat UK national franchise manager, Jason Cranswick, said: "Our 2011 sales records speak volumes about the growing appeal of the brand and with a determined focus on further improving both our service to our dealers, and their profitability, I think it’s easy to see why we are developing and strengthening our ties with some of the UK’s most successful dealer groups.

"There’s no question that 2012 will present significant challenges to the motor industry but with new model line-up in their showrooms I know our dealers will be best-placed to exploit the opportunities ahead."