Kia UK Limited has achieved more than 100,000 sales in one year for the first time in its 32-year UK history. What’s most impressive is that nearly half (43% were plug-in vehicles including hybrid, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and fully electric vehicles (EVs).
The Korean car maker finished sixth overall in 2022, its highest position to date, posting an all-time best market share of 6.2 per cent. With over 100,000 sales for the year and a record market share, Kia’s success bucks the 2022 market trend that saw significant challenges across the UK market.
Zero emissions electric vehicles accounted for 22 per cent of Kia’s sales in 2022. This shows that the change is happening and people are transitioning to EVs. Kia’s future lies in electric vehicles and the brand will introduce 14 EV models by 2027 as part of its ‘Plan S’ strategy. Nine of these models will make their way to the UK market.
Several models will be built on the Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) architecture. Paving the way for the future, the first E-GMP-based electric Kia was the EV6 while the all-new Niro EV is an electric derivative within the Niro model line-up.
Kia’s next E-GMP-based electric car will be the EV9 based on the Concept EV9 revealed at the end of 2021. This demonstrates the flexible capabilities of a dedicated electric architecture with a large SUV design. This further reflects Kia’s plan to offer electric vehicles across a range of segments.
Paul Philpott, Kia UK Limited president and CEO, said: “Reaching 100,000 new car sales in 2022 is a significant milestone and testament to the hard work, determination and belief that each of our dealer partners have placed in Kia.
“Since Kia first entered the UK car market 32 years ago, the brand has gone from strength to strength. Kia has continually thrived in a challenging market, our brand and products have evolved and perceptions have changed. Each of these have played an important role in Kia’s sustainable and organic growth.
“Now Kia is the sixth biggest car brand in the UK and a leader in electrification, with 43 per cent of our vehicles sold in 2022 being electrified. And ambitious plans lie ahead as we continue to invest in electrified mobility and deliver customer-centric products and services.”
