Kia PH celebrates strong 2022 sales performance at dealer appreciation event

MANILA: Kia Philippines hosted a thanksgiving event for its dealer principals who have contributed to the brand's major milestones for 2022 and to celebrate the company's fourth year as an Ayala Corporation subsidiary.

Since Kia Philippines was established in 2019, it has consistently outperformed the overall industry's performance in terms of growth and matched the achievements of other top brands. Kia Philippines' 2022 sales increased by a record-breaking 34% versus 2021. This figure is higher than the auto industry's 26% growth rate.

During the Kia Dealer Appreciation Night, Kia Philippines also announced that the company received recognition from Kia Asia Pacific (K-APAC) for having the highest growth rate in the Asia Pacific region as well as being the number one independent distributor in retail sales in the region in 2022.

Kia Philippines also celebrated the expansion of its nationwide network from 30 dealers in 2018 to 42 dealers in 2022. All Kia dealerships across the country will soon have redesigned exteriors, and by 2024, all will adhere to Kia's new interior design philosophy. The new corporate identity will be proudly displayed by newly appointed Kia dealers as well. This is consistent with Kia's new aesthetic, shown by its lineup of exquisite vehicles.

Industry veterans Gateway Motors, Wheels Inc., Iconic Dealerships Inc., Traders of the Laus Group, and Grand Canyon were among the top-performing dealer groups recognized during the event. New partners Autohub Group, Wheeltek, and Prime Legacy were also welcomed.

In January 2019, the Kia Philippines journey as an Ayala company began. The brand was relaunched in the country with the Kia Soluto as the first all-new model. Shortly after that, the Kia Stinger and Kia Forte were showcased at the Manila International Auto Show 2019. In November of the same year, the Kia Seltos was unveiled.

In 2020, Kia Philippines launched the Kia Stonic, popularly known as “The Style That's Iconic,” and has since been Kia's best-selling model in the country. The Kia Sorento was unveiled in 2021 along with the new Kia tagline, “Movement that Inspires.” The Kia Carnival was introduced to the public by early 2022, and now, there is still a high demand for it.

This March, Kia Philippines is set to officially launch the Kia EV6, the ultimate representation of Kia's technology and innovation. The Kia EV6 and the supporting charging ecosystem made available by various organizations nationwide mark a turning point in the electric vehicle market.

Auto sales is expected to continue expanding at a solid pace in 2023, according to BPI Chief Economist Jun Neri. A sustained economic recovery is anticipated this year as there will be less restrictions on domestic and international travels, easier access to consumer credit, a decline in unemployment that will increase purchasing power and consumer credit scores, a slowdown in inflation, and a more stable foreign exchange situation.

Photos from Kia Philippines and Roy Robles

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