THE next generation of car buying has launched in Essex, after SEAT UK opened its first ever retail store at intu Lakeside, hosting aVIP event on Tuesday December 6.

Eight 22-inch digital ‘hubs’ let customers configure their car, explore financing options and arrange test drives while a number of 70-inch ultra HD screens line the walls to display the latest in-store offers, as SEAT puts its Spanish spin on traditional browsing-orientated retail environments.

The store has been opened alongside franchise partner Group 1 Automotive, as the Barcelona-based brand starts to develop the way we buy cars, combining a relaxed retail environment and automotive expertise.

Staff at the store, known as SEAT Experts, have retail backgrounds but all 13 working full-time, have completed an intensive SEAT training course on brand and product knowledge to back up their service-orientated backgrounds.

Richard Harrison, Director, SEAT UK, hosted the event, saying: “Our new store is a world first for us, and I’m delighted SEAT is taking a leading role, right here in Essex in making the car buying process more modern and relaxed.”