• March global sales at 278,275 units, up 10.9% y/y
• Sales outside of Korea recorded 224,911 units, up 9.2% y/y
• Sales in Korea recorded 53,046 units, up 17.8% y/y
• Kia to continue its transition to sustainable mobility solutions provider through new models, including the recently debuted EV9 all-electric SUV

Kia Corporation recorded total global sales of 278,275 units in March 2023, a 10.9 percent increase year over year.

Excluding the special purpose vehicle sales, Korean market sales increased 17.8 percent year over year and sales outside of Korea increased 9.2 percent compared to the same period last year.

Kia SUV models led the company’s sales with the Sportage and Seltos SUV each selling 48,463 units and 27,853 units in March. The Sorento SUV followed with 20,034 units.

Sales outside of Korea

Kia sales outside of Korea increased 9.2 percent compared to the same month last year with 224,911 units sold.

In markets outside of Korea, the Sportage SUV led the sales momentum with a record 42,445 units sold. The Sportage was followed by the Seltos SUV which sold 23,962 units and the K3 which sold 16,892 units.

Korea sales

Kia recorded sales of 53,046 units in Korea, a 17.8 percent increase from March 2022. 

The Sorento SUV led the company’s passenger vehicle sales in its home market with a sales record of 6,890 units. The Carnival MPV and Sportage SUV followed with a sales record of 6,873 units and 6,018 units each. 

Future steps

In 2023, Kia aims to expand production, launch new competitive vehicles and enhance profitability. The company will accelerate its electrification efforts and its transition into a sustainable mobility solutions provider by introducing innovative mobility products and services.

The company will continue to expand sales of its all-electric EV6, a model that was recognized as the 2023 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year in January. Kia will also build on EV sales momentum through the introduction of the new EV9, the company’s first three-row seat electric flagship SUV, which made its global debut in March.

With the EV9, Kia will provide an unparalleled EV experience that aims to revolutionize the EV market with its strikingly contemporary exterior and interior design, over-the-air (OTA) update services and level three autonomous driving capabilities.

Editor’s note

* Sales results are based on wholesale unless otherwise specified
* Monthly sales figures provided in this release are unaudited and on a preliminary basis that may be subject to future update
* With the change in business results categorization in 2023, special purpose vehicle sales are recorded separately
* Special purpose vehicle includes various specialized vehicles and its figure accounts for sales in Korea and overseas markets