Korean carmaker Kia Motors Corporation has recorded total global sales of 260,023 units in September, a 10.3% increase compared to the same period last year. The Sportage SUV topped Kia’s global sales rankings with 33,999 units, followed by the Seltos SUV with 31,144 units and the K5 sedan with 25,365 units.

Sales in Korea saw a 21.9 percent jump from a year earlier with 51,211 units, driven by strong sales of the Carnival MPV (sold as the Sedona MPV in some markets).

Kia Motors India sells 18,676 units, contributes 7% to global sales
Sales in overseas markets rose by 7.7% from a year earlier to 208,812 units. Growth was led by SUVs including the Seltos and the Sportage, and K3 sedan (sold as Forte in some markets).  Kia Motors America, with sales of 55,519 units from 14 Kia models, notched its best September retail sales yet and contributed 21% to Kia’s global sales.

Kia Motors India, which sold a total of 18,676 units (up 147% YoY) – its highest-ever domestic market monthly sales, contributing 7.18% to Kia’s global sales in September. Not bad for a relatively new brand which began its retail sales barely 14 months ago and already has a 12.79% UV market share and the fourth spot in the 16-OEM pecking order.  

In fact, Kia Motors India's contribution to global sales is growing month on month. In August 2020, of Kia's total global sales of 216,945 units, the Indian operations sold 10,845 units and contributed 5% to the total number.

The big news for Kia Motors India is that Sonet compact SUV, launched on September 18, sold all of 9,266 units, beating its popular sibling Seltos by 187 units. The Seltos sold a total of 9,079 units while the Carnival MPV sold 331 units last month.

Kia Motors Corporation says it “expects solid sales results to continue in the second half of the year thanks to an expanded SUV line-up including the Sonet SUV, released in India last month, and the Sorento’s petrol model – set for release in the fourth quarter. Expect the Korean carmaker’s Indian arm, which is is firing on all cylinders, to grow its monthly contribution to the parent company, both in terms of domestic market and export sales.