Kia America on Track for Best-Ever Annual Sales, Despite Inventory Challenges
IRVINE, Calif., September 30, 2021 – Kia America today announced September sales of 52,906 units, led by Forte and Telluride models, which accelerated Kia to its best-ever third quarter sales in company history for a total of 177,014 units sold. This result has contributed to Kia’s highest ever sales performance for the first nine months of a calendar year – a total of 555,525 units – a nine-percent increase over the previous first three-quarter sales record of 491,764 units set in 2016.
In September, Kia sold 77-percent of available inventory and saw a marked increase in sales of its hybrid and battery-electric vehicles, with year-over-year sales up more than 81-percent. Telluride realized record September sales with 9,278 units and throughout the month anticipation for the all-new EV6 – Kia’s first dedicated battery electric vehicle – continued to grow with the model expected to arrive at dealerships in early 2022.
“Kia sales continued to break records and build upon the momentum seen since the start of the year, despite the ongoing supply chain issues facing the industry,” said Eric Watson, vice president, sales operations, Kia America. “Our record setting performance in Q3 has reinforced confidence that our positive sales trajectory will continue well into 2022.”
In addition to sales, last month saw a number of significant announcements coming from the brand, including:
The third class of Great Unknowns Scholarship recipients was announced, bringing the total number of students receiving the $5,000 yearly scholarship to 45 since the scholarship was established in 2019
A new 60-second spot highlighting Kia’s electrified future and new brand identity made its debut during the 73RD EMMY® AWARDS on September 19th
The all-new, all-electric EV6 was driven by NBC’s America’s Got Talent Judge Simon Cowell and was featured as part of in-show integrations and season-winner and runner-up prize packages
A donation of $200,000 to the American Red Cross made by Kia America to assist with disaster relief efforts and provide shelter, food and comfort to those affected by Hurricane Ida
Kia America – about us
Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands. Kia serves as the “Official Automotive Partner” of the NBA and offers a complete range of vehicles sold through a network of more than 750 dealers in the U.S., including cars and SUVs proudly assembled in America. Kia plans to deliver 11 electrified products globally by 2026 under the company’s Plan S that will transition Kia into a Sustainable Mobility Company.
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MONTH OF SEPTEMBER
YEAR-TO-DATE
Model
2021
2020
2021
2020
Rio
2,148
2,143
23,895
18,043
Forte
9,186
7,643
93,026
62,911
K5/Optima
5,856
6,783
73,472
58,763
Cadenza
15
99
249
922
Stinger
1,232
913
10,377
9,792
K900
11
25
83
209
Soul
6,191
6,700
60,345
55,331
Niro
2,566
1,682
19,071
13,232
Seltos
2,933
5,613
42,352
29,509
Sportage
6,596
7,165
78,778
62,400
Sorento
4,112
6,879
62,255
60,492
Telluride
9,278
8,829
70,724
46,615
Sedona/Carnival
2,782
1,045
20,898
10,131
Total
52,906
55,519
555,525
428,350
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Information posted in press releases on the Kia Media website was accurate at the time of posting but may be superseded by subsequent releases or other information.