Kia reports best-ever sales of 3.1 million units in CY2023, US, Europe and India top markets

Kia Corporation has announced today global sales of 3,085,771 vehicles in 2023, posting a new annual global sales record. This represents a 6.3% increase compared with the 2,901,797 units sold in CY2022. Kia’s previous best yearly performance was recorded in 2014, with sales totalling 3,038,552 units. This included 2,573,352 units sold outside of Korea, and 465,200 vehicles in Korea.

Excluding special purpose vehicles, Kia’s 2023 sales in markets outside of Korea saw a 6.7% YoY rise to 2,516,383 units. Sales in Korea totalled 563,660 units, a 4.6% increase. The brand also recorded its highest yearly sales in many of its major markets in 2023, including the U.S., Europe, and India.

In CY2022, Kia India had sold a record 254,556 units. Considering that the company’s wholesales in the first 11 months of CY2023 were 242,462 units, with December numbers yet to be announced and expected to be above 23,000 units, total CY2023 sales should be in the region of 265,000 units which makes for 4% YoY growth.

Kia also recorded its highest yearly sales in many of its major markets in 2023, including the US, Europe, and India.

At the end of November 2023, Kia India needed only 12,092 units to surpass its CY2022 sales of 254,556 units, which it would have done in the first fortnight of December. 

Kia America also recorded its best-ever yearly sales of 782,451 units, up 13% YoY. Its SUV and utility lineup registered a 16% growth in sales, accounting for 72% of Kia America’s total sales last year. Six Kia models set all-time annual sales records in 2023 –  Carnival (+93%); Niro (+26%); Seltos (+17%); Sportage (+12%); Telluride (+11%); and Forte (+7%). Sales of Kia’s electrified models increased 41 percent.

The Sportage SUV topped company’s 2023 global sales rankings by model, selling 523,502 units, followed by the Seltos SUV (344,013 units), and the Sorento SUV (242,892 units).

The company’s best-ever annual sales performance was supported by the launch of competitive new models such as the Kia EV9 — as well as the new Sorento SUV, K5 sedan and Carnival MPV — along with increased vehicle production and supply due to the easing of semiconductor supply disruptions.

In 2024, Kia is targeting global sales of 3.2 million units. By region, the brand expects to sell 530,000 units in Korea and 2,663,000 vehicles overseas. Kia also expects to sell 7,000 special purpose vehicles.

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