“Kia continues to see record demand in 2021 with sales up 35% year-over-year, and an average of more than 62,000 sales per month, despite challenges facing the industry regarding parts availability and overall inventory,” said Eric Watson, vice president, sales operations, Kia America. “Further proof of Kia’s appeal came when the brand earned the highest number of J.D. Power Initial Quality Awards for the third straight year. Looking forward, we are confident that Kia will continue to outperform the industry in the third quarter and beyond.”
Complementing August sales, numerous Kia models were recognized with prestigious industry awards and accolades, including:
- Five Kia models topped their respective segments in the 2021 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study (IQS) including Forte, Soul, Sportage and Telluride.
- The 2022 Carnival MPV earned the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety TOP SAFETY PICK rating.
- The Telluride was named among the Best New Cars for Dog Lovers by Autotrader.
- U.S. News & World Report named the 2021 Sorento Hybrid the Best New SUV for Teens in the $30K to $35K range.
Significant news from Kia in the month of August included:
- Kia America donated $200,000 to the American Red Cross to assist with disaster relief efforts and provide shelter, food and comfort to those affected by Hurricane Ida. In addition, Kia Finance customers affected by Hurricane Ida may be eligible for payment relief solutions. Customers are encouraged to contact the Kia Finance customer service line at (866) 331-5632 to learn more about their options during this difficult time.
- The addition of the 2022 Sorento Turbo Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) SUV to Kia’s world-class model lineup. The latest addition to Kia’s ambitious ‘Plan S’ electrification, the Sorento PHEV offers power, efficiency, all-wheel drive capability and three-row seating accommodations. The vehicle will arrive in showrooms in the third quarter of 2021.
- The launch of the new “[email protected]” product and brand experience which delivers scheduled test drives of two of Kia’s most technologically advanced vehicles direct to consumers at a convenient location of their choosing in several major cities. Showcasing the innovative Carnival MPV and the all-electric Niro EV, [email protected] tailors the test drive experience to shoppers’ needs.
- Eric Watson’s appointment to the position of vice president, sales operations, Kia America.
Kia America – about us
Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands. Kia serves as the “Official Automotive Partner” of the NBA and offers a complete range of vehicles sold through a network of nearly 750 dealers in the U.S., including several cars and SUVs proudly assembled in America.
For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com . To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert .
MONTH OF AUGUST |
YEAR-TO-DATE |
|||
Model |
2021 |
2020 |
2021 |
2020 |
Rio |
1,777 |
2,097 |
21,747 |
15,900 |
Forte |
9,258 |
8,414 |
83,840 |
55,268 |
K5/Optima |
7,263 |
6,938 |
67,616 |
51,980 |
Cadenza |
1 |
53 |
234 |
823 |
Stinger |
1,228 |
1,101 |
9,145 |
8,879 |
K900 |
— |
34 |
72 |
184 |
Soul |
7,536 |
6,968 |
54,154 |
48,631 |
Niro |
2,040 |
1,991 |
16,505 |
11,550 |
Seltos |
2,822 |
5,314 |
39,419 |
23,896 |
Sportage |
8,182 |
7,672 |
72,182 |
55,235 |
Sorento |
4,080 |
7,809 |
58,143 |
53,613 |
Telluride |
7,347 |
7,588 |
61,446 |
37,786 |
Sedona/Carnival |
2,475 |
1,036 |
18,116 |
9,086 |
Total |
54,009 |
57,015 |
502,619 |
372,831 |
SOURCE Kia America