T HE SEAT car company makes its grand debut in Cambodia this weekend when its Cordoba

model 1.6 GLXI automobiles officially go on sale in Phnom Penh.

SEAT, a member of the Volkswagen Group, assembles its cars in Spain using parts made

in Germany. The company is represented in Cambodia by Forte Trading Private Ltd.

Forte Managing Director Tan Wing Kang is optimistic about the potential market for

the Cordoba here in Cambodia. He projects sales in the first year to reach 120 units.

Twelve Cordobas have been imported into the country to kick off the sales effort

with two already sold. The Cordoba lists at $22,000.

Tan says: "The Cordoba fits with the young, old and middle age. It gives a lively

young fresh impression." He adds that the cars design emphasizes the back with

its "standard feature spoiler" and that you can put "three to four

sets of golf clubs in the boot."

Cordoba promotional materials say that the car "is the result of an exclusive

formula: family car with a dash and allure of a sports car...its aerodynamic design

and special features give you a sports model handling and performance, outrunning

the wind in a silent getaway."

Tan says the car is well-known in Europe and that in the last five years they have

begun to penetrate the Asian market with 800 sold per year in Singapore and many

thousands being bought in China. He adds that because of the rise of the Yen, the

Cordoba is competitively priced compared to Japanese models.

He says that his company will emphasize "after sales service" and Forte

plans to open a new "state-of-the-art" service center in two months.

Cordoba's grand opening is tied to the Water Festival and one of the cars will be

on display for nine days in the park just south of the Royal Palace.