Martin Gray has been named the new national fleet manager for Seat and Cupra UK, where he has been contract hire and leasing manager for the past seven years.

He will oversee a seven-strong fleet team and aims to deliver a brand and product offering for businesses that continues to challenge the norm in the UK fleet industry.

He said: “I am delighted to be leading a fleet team that has already accomplished so much. My priority is to continue achieving successful results for Seat, as well as grow awareness of the Cupra brand within our existing customer base, leasing company partners and fleet retailer specialists.

“I am particularly excited to be introducing the 100% electric Cupra Tavascan and the PHEV Cupra Terramar models within the next year, as they will be a gamechanger for our fleet customers.”

Gray has been in the automotive industry for 30 years, with 18 years fleet experience, and first joined the Volkswagen Group in 2011. He became contract hire and leasing manager for Seat in 2017. 

Marcus Gossen, director of Seat and Cupra UK, said: “Martin has great experience within Volkswagen Group and has played a fundamental role in our fleet department for a number of years.

“We are delighted to see him step into the role of national fleet manager to lead a strong team that is achieving brilliant results.”

Cupra UK recently revealed that it had achieved record fleet sales in 2023, reporting a 191% increase, almost trebling its registrations for the sector.

The rapid increase in registrations surpassed the fleet sector’s overall performance, which grew by 38.7%, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

The manufacturer says that its impressive fleet results were bolstered by the brand’s electrified offering, with Cupra Born fleet registrations showing a 200% in 2023, and the Cupra Formentor e-hybrid variants also gaining traction in the market.