Kia achieved a new record market share in Europe in 2022, recording 4.8% penetration, according to new data published by the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA)*. This has been increased compared to the previous record share of the brand that stood at 4.3% in 2021.
Total annual sales in the EU, EFTA and UK markets also grew year-on-year for Kia, reaching 542,423 units sold, an increase of 7.9% compared to 502,677 units in 2021.
This is in contrast to the broader European passenger car market, whose registrations fell 4.1% in 2022. Kia’s numbers were boosted by growing demand for its electrified vehicles, which accounted for nearly a third – 30.9% ( 176,149 units)- of its European sales in 2022.
Last year, Kia also recorded several significant achievements in specific countries. For example, in the UK the brand achieved a record market share of 6.2% and surpassed 100,000 sales for the first time.
Record market shares were also achieved in Poland (8%) and Spain (7.8%), while in the Netherlands, Kia became not only the most popular import brand, but also the most popular car brand. best seller, with a market share of 9.7%.
In addition, Kia is now one of the three best-selling brands in Spain, Poland, Sweden, Croatia, Finland, Iceland and Slovakia.
The Ceed range was the brand’s best-seller across Europe last year, with 137,347 registrations. The Sportage also continued its upward trajectory, with 136,293 vehicles sold. The Kia Niro was the brand’s third best-selling model in 2022, with 80,461 units sold.
Jason Jeong, President of Kia Europe, commented: “2022 was another very successful year for Kia. We have achieved the largest market share in our history and our growing range of electrified models has received more awards and recognition.
The EV6 clinched the Car of the Year title earlier in the year – a first for a Korean brand – and was immediately followed by the Niro, which made the shortlist for COTY 2023 later in the year.”
In addition to the Car of the Year award for the EV6, a number of Kia models earned high-level recognition last year, including:
(United States) Kia EV6: “Electric Car of the Year” – “Puros Autos” Awards
· (United Kingdom) Kia EV6: “Car of the Year” – What Car? Awards.
· (France) Kia EV6: “SUV familiar” and “Crossover” – L’argus Trophy.
· (Europe) Kia EV6: Red Dot Design ‘Best of the Best’ category Innovative Products.
· (Germany) Kia Niro EV: Volante de Oro Awards – Auto Bild.
· (Spain) Kia Sportage: ‘Car of the Year’ – ABC.
· (Greece) Kia Sportage: ‘Car of the Year for Greece’ – Car of the Year Institute for Greece.
· (UK): Kia: ‘Manufacturer of the Year’ – Top Gear Magazine.
Looking forward to 2023, Kia is intensifying the application of its customer-centric strategy to become a leading provider of smart mobility solutions.
Last year it upgraded its production and supply operations in Europe to make them more resilient to disruptive global events and to meet its environmental commitments.
These changes, reinforced by solid supply agreements for critical components, will allow the brand to face further increases in demand and minimize delivery times.
