Kia records growth in Q1 with increased sales of electric vehicles
Kia has recorded a slight increase in European registrations during the first quarter of 2021, with electric vehicles now accounting for 28% of all sales across Europe.
Figures show that Kia has maintained a European market share of 3.7%, demonstrating stable sales for the brand despite the pandemic. In the UK, Kia achieved its best ever UK market share of 4.79% over the same period.
The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) data reveals that Kia’s total European sales increased slightly to 113,812 units in the first quarter of 2021. This represents an increase of 0.7% compared to the first quarter of 2020.
In the first quarter of 2021, Kia’s hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles accounted for 28.4% of total brand sales in Europe, up from 18.9% during the first quarter of 2020.
Jason Jeong, president at Kia Europe commented: “The past year has been challenging for most industries, and the automotive landscape has changed rapidly. However, we have maintained steady sales momentum across Europe with an increase in our hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicle sales. EV6, Kia’s all-new electric vehicle, is already available to pre-reserve, and we expect it to be among many new Kia models that continue to grow the brand’s presence across Europe.”
Kia has revealed plans to introduce 11 new EV models by 2026, which include the EV6 which was announced earlier this year.
According to the data, the Kia Niro range grew in popularity by 29% with the full electric version improving sales by 124%. The figures also state that the fully electric e-Niro ended Q1 as the second best-selling BEV in the UK so far in 2021, selling 3,269 units.
