So is the EV craze revived in America and will Kia be the new number 1 EV brand there?
Kia America closed September with impressive sales figures, reaching 58,913 units, fueled by strong performance in its all-electric (EV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) segments. These electrified models contributed to record-setting sales, with the brand’s EVs and PHEVs collectively up 43 percent and 11 percent, respectively, year-over-year.
Moreover, despite having fewer selling days compared to the same period last year, the brand’s focus on electrification and a diverse lineup of vehicles has positioned Kia for continued growth in a competitive market. Notably, four key models showed significant year-over-year gains through the third quarter.
The Kia Sportage saw a 10 percent increase, the Forte grew by 6 percent, the Carnival rose 5 percent and the Seltos was up 2 percent. This uptick in sales helped the brand achieve its best-ever year-to-date September sales performance. The brand’s broad offering of both electrified and traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles has played a crucial role in meeting the diverse needs of its customer base.
The brand’s SUVs also performed particularly well, accounting for 74 percent of the brand’s total monthly sales in September. Among these, the company’s electrified models, spanning both EVs and PHEVs, made up 17 percent of the total volume, underscoring the growing demand for eco-friendly options. This marks a significant step forward as the brand continues to prioritise sustainability without compromising on choice or performance.
On top of that, Eric Watson, Kia America’s vice president of sales operations, noted the ongoing success of Kia’s electrified vehicles, even in a market where the growth of all-electric models has slowed somewhat. “Double-digit sales gains for Kia’s EV and PHEV models prove Kia’s leadership position as the industry transitions to electrification.” Watson stated.
He also expressed confidence that the brand’s positive sales momentum will continue into the fourth quarter, particularly with the upcoming launch of the all-new K4 compact sedan and the first-ever Carnival Hybrid MPV. Both vehicles are set to hit showrooms nationwide, further expanding the brand’s electrified portfolio and solidifying the brand’s commitment to meeting customer demand for innovative and sustainable vehicles.
With these new models, Kia is well-positioned to maintain its strong performance and continue driving growth in the highly competitive automotive market for the remainder of the year and beyond.
