Kia Motors remains on course for another European sales record in 2017, following the best third quarter sales performance in the company’s history.
The latest data released by ACEA (European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association) shows that Kia’s European* sales have risen to 364,924 units, year-to-date – representing an increase of 8.1% year-on-year. Kia’s cumulative share of the European market has also grown to 3.0%, up from 2.9% during the first nine months of 2016. From July to September, Kia sold 113,452 units across Europe, marking a new third quarter sales record for the brand (+5.0% over Q3 2016).
Michael Cole, Chief Operating Officer of Kia Motors Europe, commented: “Kia has introduced a range of new models so far this year, each of which has been a major contributor to our growth. In particular, sales of electrified Kia cars have increased almost fourfold, with hybrids and electric cars accounting for a greater proportion of our sales than ever before. Kia continues to roll-out electric and hybrid powertrains across various model lines – this is a process that will accelerate in the coming years.
“Furthermore, new models have provided added momentum to our sales growth in 2017, with the new Rio and new Picanto both outselling their predecessors. Soon we will introduce the new Stinger sports sedan and Stonic compact crossover, enhancing sales volumes and consumer perceptions of the Kia brand.”
Electric and hybrid models grow in importance
Year-to-date, sales of all-electric and hybrid-electric Kia vehicles have grown to 30,244 units – up from 7,868 units during the first nine months of 2016. Representing a fourfold increase, electrified powertrains can claim the greatest area of growth for Kia in Europe.
The new Niro hybrid crossover has accounted for 24,677 sales so far this year (including the newly-launched plug-in hybrid version), making it Kia’s fifth best-selling model in Europe (after the Picanto, Rio, Sportage and cee’d model family). European sales of the new Niro Plug-in Hybrid began during September, combining the same crossover practicality and design with ultra-low CO2 emissions of just 29 g/km.
Kia’s electrified model line-up includes the new Optima Plug-in Hybrid sedan (570 units year-to-date) and Sportswagon (1,179), and the Soul EV. Sales of the Soul EV have grown from 3,387 to 3,818 units year-on-year, with the all-electric model now accounting for 40% of all Soul sales in Europe.
Two new compact models – the new Rio and new Picanto – were also launched at the start of the year, with each outselling their predecessors. Combining sales of the previous models at the start of 2017, and those of the new models since, Rio sales have grown 11.8% year-on-year (58,931 units), while sales of the A-segment Picanto grew 16.7% year-on-year (to 49,739 units).
Optima sales have also increased, with the creation of the new Sportswagon body style and new powertrain options, including a high-powered GT model, and Plug-in Hybrid variants of the sedan and Sportswagon. Optima sales so far this year stand at 13,205 units, more than double the number sold during the same period in 2016.
