Kia Sells 258,610 Units in May... "Largest Since October 2020"

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Hyun-seok] Kia announced on the 1st that it sold a total of 258,610 units globally last month, an increase of 1.8% compared to the same period last year, with 45,110 units sold domestically and 213,500 units overseas.

By model, the Sportage was the best-selling vehicle in the global market with 43,201 units sold. The Seltos followed with 23,806 units, and the Sorento with 19,399 units.

In June 2022, Kia sold 45,110 units domestically, a decrease of 8.5% compared to the same month last year.

The best-selling vehicle last month was the Sorento, with 5,593 units sold. Passenger models sold a total of 14,837 units, including the K8 with 4,012 units, Ray with 3,812 units, Morning with 2,414 units, and K5 with 2,352 units. Leisure vehicles (RVs), including the Sorento, sold a total of 25,681 units, with the Carnival at 5,590 units, Sportage at 4,513 units, and Niro at 3,821 units. Commercial models sold a total of 4,592 units, including 4,386 units of the Bongo III, combining buses and trucks.

Overseas sales recorded 213,500 units, an increase of 4.3% compared to the same month last year. By model, the Sportage was the top-selling model overseas with 38,688 units sold. The Seltos followed with 20,545 units, and the K3 (Forte) with 17,358 units.

A Kia official stated, “Although management uncertainty continues due to semiconductor parts supply disruptions, we are minimizing the impact on supply delays through flexible semiconductor allocation and adjustments to vehicle production schedules.” He added, “Although the semiconductor parts supply issue has not been completely resolved, we are seeing improvements, such as recording the highest performance since October 2020 last month.” He emphasized, “We will expand market share and profitability through competitive new car launches such as the ’The New Seltos’ (Seltos facelift model) and solid sales strategies.”