Seat UK has welcomed internal applicant, Martin Gray, as the new contract hire and leasing manager for the North.

An internal appointment from within the VW Group, Gray’s (pictured) new role will see him working across Scotland and the north of England, providing leasing companies with all the tools to provide the best customer service and improve their sales operations.

With 20 years of automotive industry experience and 12 specifically in the fleet arena, he has worked with several vehicle manufacturers and fleet management firms, including Fleet Alliance and Cox Automotive.

Gray had previously worked at Seat as an area fleet manager for four years.

The appointment follows swiftly on from Seat UK’s H1 results, which saw a 37% rise in fleet sales and cemented the brand’s position as the fastest growing manufacturer in fleet.

Gray said: “The brand now has all the tools to excel in the contract hire and leasing market: a desirable and comprehensive range, strong residual values and low SMR costs.

“Exciting all-new models are on the horizon to improve that offering even further, and Seat’s unparalleled growth in the fleet industry comes amid it making real waves in the leasing space.

"It all means there’s never been a better, more exciting time to join the brand.”