Kia, Led by the Sportage, Overtakes BMW in the UK ... Nears 100,000 Sales for Fifth Straight Year

[Financial News] Kia has continued its steep growth in the UK, one of Europe's largest automotive markets, led by the Sportage. It ranked second in sales after overtaking European premium brands such as BMW and Audi. If Kia surpasses 100,000 vehicles in annual sales again this year, it will achieve five consecutive years above that threshold. Based on the current trend, the company could also set a new annual sales record.
According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) on the 5th, Kia sold 76,850 vehicles in the UK from January through August this year, up 2.3% from the same period a year earlier. It ranked second among brands, behind Volkswagen's 111,830 units.
BMW ranked third with 76,074 vehicles during the same period, followed by Audi with 71,904 and Ford with 71,050. Kia was the only Asian automotive brand to make the UK's top five.
Kia also climbed one spot from last year. Its lead over BMW, Audi, and Ford is considered particularly significant in the UK, a market traditionally known for its preference for European brands.
Kia has steadily expanded its sales base in the UK in recent years. After selling 100,191 vehicles in 2022 and surpassing 100,000 units for the first time, it recorded sales of 107,765 vehicles in 2023, 112,252 in 2024, and 113,436 last year.
After exceeding 100,000 vehicles in sales for four consecutive years, Kia is likely to reach five straight years above that mark if the current momentum continues. It could also surpass last year's record annual sales of 113,436 vehicles.
The UK is a key market with a significant share of Europe's automotive industry. According to the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA), the UK recorded 1,388,736 vehicle sales from January through August this year, accounting for 15.1% of the entire European market. It was Europe's second-largest market after Germany, which recorded 1,965,024 sales.
The key model driving Kia's strong performance in the UK is the Kia Sportage. A total of 30,564 Sportage vehicles were sold in the UK from January through August this year, placing it second among models behind the Ford Puma, which recorded 35,968 sales.
The Sportage accounted for approximately 40% of Kia's total UK sales. In effect, the single model has served as the mainstay of Kia's sales expansion in the UK.
The Sportage has also continued to earn recognition for its product appeal in the local market. It was named a 'Family SUV' for four consecutive years in the What Car? Awards, organized by the British automotive magazine What Car? Its strengths include practical interior space, driving performance, and price competitiveness.
A Kia official said, "Kia is delivering strong results in the UK, one of Europe's largest automotive markets. We will continue to introduce new vehicles with strong competitiveness and strengthen our position in the local market."
[email protected] Kim Dong-ho Reporter