The Korean brand has just closed the best first quarter of its history in Europe with 131,434 registered registrations (+ 5.2%). No record in France, but a nice growth: + 16.5%!
“Kia Motors has set a sales target in Europe of more than 500,000 units, recalls the new COO from Kia Motors Europe, Emilio Herrera. The results obtained at the beginning of the year put us in a strong position to reach our goal, especially as the new qio models will be launched by the end of the year – like the new Ceed – will help give a real boost to the organic growth of our sales. “
Kia is therefore on track with 131,434 units during these first three months. But pending the new Ceed, the growth of 5.2% recorded still much to Sportage (34 644 units), but also to the new Picanto (+ 12.4%, 18 573 units). The latest small SUV, the Stonic, launched at the end of 2017, also has a good start with 15,170 units registered during this first quarter.
A performance of the Korean urban SUV that also illuminates the performance of Kia in the only month of March 2018 which sets a new record with 57,492 units (+4.5%). The models hit by the EcoDynamics label are also in a great dynamic with a growth of 36.2%, ie 13,070 registrations. These alternative engines (hybrid, plug-in hybrid and EV) now account for 10% of the manufacturer’s sales in Europe. The best-seller of its kind is the Niro hybrid and rechargeable hybrid with 10,339 units (+ 26.6%).
The trend is similar in France, where overall sales are up 16.5% with 11,315 registrations. Again, as in Europe, the brand is much better than the market. In France, the rise of electrified models is also a reality. After having accounted for 12% of sales in 2017 (4,470 of 37,235 registrations), on this first quarter the craze is still with the rendezvous with, already, 929 Niro hybrid delivered, 108 Niro rechargeable hybrid and 268 Soul 100% electric .