Kia sets new records in Europe by selling 502,845 units in 2019

MANILA: So, as it turns out, the year 2019 was an amazing set of 365 days for Kia not only in the Philippines where it witnessed a 124% growth but also in other parts of the world, especially Europe. Following its entry to the European continent in 1991, Kia has achieved the feat of selling more than 500,000 vehicles in the region in the year 2019, reported European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA).

Moreover, the South Korean manufacturer grabbed a 3.2% market share in the region and recorded positive growth for the 11th year on the trot. Kia's 3.2% market share includes the European Union (EU) and European Free Trade Area (EFTA) countries. As for year-on-year growth, Kia saw an increase of 1.7% with 502,845 units sold throughout the year.

"2019 marked an important year for Kia as we introduced our first new-generation electric vehicles and launched new derivatives and powertrains across some of our most popular model lines. As an early mover in the industry’s shift to electrification, Kia is capitalizing on consumers’ desire to reduce the environmental impact and running costs associated with driving", said Emilio Herrera, Chief Operating Officer, Kia Motors Europe.

Electric is no more the future. Instead, it has very much transformed into the present. In 2019, Kia 66,386 units of its hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully-electric cars in Europe, which is an increase of 14.4% compared to the 58,029 vehicles that the South Korean automaker sold in 2018. Among Kia's various electric lineups, the Niro range stood atop the charts with its hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully-electric variants contributing to 57,519 trades. And, this was a 27.1% increase compared to the figures of 2018. The various Niro models, Niro Hybrid, Niro Plug-in Hybrid, and the pure EV e-Niro found 37,475, 10,144, and 9,900 new homes in 2019, respectively.

Moving, the Kia Sportage stood second on the charts with 109,838 of its units sold throughout 2019. At last, it was the Ceed model family that clinched on to the first position with 110,201 units finding homes in 2019. In the Philippines too, the year 2019 was a delightful journey for the South Korean automaker as it sold 5,019 units in the country over the year. The Kia Soluto, Grand Carnival, Seltos, and K2500 shared a contribution of 51%, 13%, 7%, and 21%, respectively. Compared to 2019, Kia could only trade 2,238 vehicles in 2018.

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