Kia registers slight Q1 growth and increased sales of electrified vehicles 17.04.2021: Kia’s European market share holds stable at 3.7 per cent in the first quarter Kia Q1 registrations across Europe (EU, EFTA and UK) increase nearly one per cent year-on-year Sales of Kia’s electrified vehicles (

    Kia’s European market share holds stable at 3.7 per cent in the first quarter


    Kia Q1 registrations across Europe (EU, EFTA and UK) increase nearly one per cent year-on-year


    Sales of Kia’s electrified vehicles (EV, plug-in hybrid and hybrid) continue to grow despite widespread showroom closures


    Electrified vehicles now account for 28 per cent of all Kia sales in Europe


    Kia UK records best-ever Q1 market share




Kia has recorded a slight increase in European registrations during the first quarter of 2021, despite showrooms not being open across much of the continent. Figures released today show that Kia has maintained a European market share of 3.7 per cent, demonstrating stable sales for the brand despite the pandemic. In the UK, Kia achieved a best ever UK market share of 4.79 per cent 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 per cent 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 per cent of total brand sales in Europe, up from 18.9 per cent during the first quarter of 2020. This puts Kia firmly on target to establish itself as a leading provider of clean mobility solutions. Kia will reinvent its line-up by introducing 11 new EV models by 2026, the first of which, the EV6, is available to pre-reserve now.



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.”



The popularity of Kia’s electric vehicles continues to soar. The Kia Niro range, available with three types of electrified powertrain, grew in popularity by 29 per cent - with the full electric version improving sales by 124 per cent.



The fully electric e-Niro ended Q1 as the second best-selling BEV in the UK so far in 2021, selling 3,269 units. Across Europe, Kia’s award winning all-new Sorento received a sales boost of 108 per cent, helped by the introduction of the all-new Sorento Plug-in Hybrid that was launched in March.



At the smaller end of the Kia line-up registrations of the Picanto city car increased 22 per cent to 15,954 units while the B-segment Rio increased by 11 per cent to 8,847 units.



With almost every Kia showroom now re-opened throughout the UK, customers are able to book a test drive at their local Kia dealership and experience Kia’s award-winning range of vehicles first hand.




*Source: ACEA, EU + EFTA + UK





Daniel Sayles- photos KIA