The FINANCIAL — Kia Motors Europe has recorded its best-ever year-to-date sales to the end of September, aided by growing sales of its expanding hybrid and electric model line-up.
Kia has sold 385,818 units across Europe to the end of September, according to new data released today by the ACEA – representing growth of 5.7% compared to the same period in 2017. Kia recorded its strongest third-quarter European sales ever, with 122,194 units sold between July and September. As the brand outperformed the European market (+2.3% so far this year, EU and EFTA countries), Kia’s market share has grown to 3.1%.
Much of Kia’s growth in 2018 has come from a 42.5% increase in sales of the brand’s expanding hybrid and electric vehicle range. Sales of the Niro Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid have increased by 37.9% to 34,036 units, year-to-date, while the Soul EV is enjoying its best-ever sales year, with 4,936 units sold (+29.3%). In total, Kia has sold 43,099 electrified (hybrid or electric) cars so far this year, including the Optima Plug-in Hybrid sedan and Sportswagon, and the new Sportage ‘EcoDynamics+’ mild-hybrid. Advanced powertrain vehicles now account for 11.2% of all Kia sales in Europe.
The Kia e-Niro electric crossover launches across Europe by the end of 2018, offering a zero-emissions electric driving range of up to 485 kilometres (301 miles) from a single charge.
