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Kia Shatters Sales Records with Stellar SUV Performance in March 2024

IRVINE, Calif., April 2, 2024 – Kia America has achieved a remarkable milestone in its company history, with record-breaking SUV sales in March 2024, marking the highest in any single month since the company's inception. The remarkable achievement was spearheaded by three of Kia's models - the Forte, Sportage, and Telluride - each selling upwards of 10,000 units. Contributing to this success was the launch of the revitalized 2024 Sorento SUV, which saw a substantial 28% increase in sales year-over-year in March.

Record-Breaking Sales Figures

In the recent announcement, Kia America revealed an impressive sales total of 69,472 units for March 2024. This staggering number contributes to the second-highest first quarter sales total recorded in the company’s history. Particularly noteworthy is the surge in sales for electrified models during March, marking an 88% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. EV sales alone saw a substantial boost, jumping 151% over March of the previous year.

Electrified vehicles weren't the only products to experience growth; sales of Kia's entire utility lineup grew by 9% and contributed a dominant 79% to the total sales of the company. This underlines the customer preference shifting towards utility and environmentally friendly vehicles.

A significant contribution to Kia America’s March sales figures came from three models in particular: the Forte, Sportage, and Telluride. Each of these vehicles achieved remarkable sales numbers, crossing the 10,000 units threshold. Additionally, the recently launched new Sorento observed a notable 28% increase in March sales year-over-year. To further bolster these impressive figures, three models, including the Sportage, Carnival, and Forte, set personal records for their highest-ever sales in the month of March.

Industry-Leading Position Solidified

Eric Watson, the Vice President of Sales Operations at Kia America, attributed the company’s success to the growing popularity of SUVs and the early impact of their all-new, all-electric three-row EV9. Following this momentum, Kia America also announced a series of upcoming launches, including the global debut of the K4 compact sedan at the New York International Auto Show, and the updated versions of the Carnival and K5 models expected to hit the showrooms shortly. These new and refreshed offerings are poised to capture further industry, media, and consumer attention, reinforcing Kia's prominence in the market.

Multiple Awards and Accolades

Kia's all-electric three-row SUV, the EV9, garnered widespread acclaim by securing two esteemed titles at the 2024 World Car Awards – World Car of the Year and World Electric Vehicle. The announcement was made live at the prestigious awards ceremony held in conjunction with the New York International Auto Show.

Additionally, the Telluride continued its legacy by being named the best 3-row midsize SUV for the fifth consecutive year by U.S. News & World Report in the "Best Cars for Families" award program. These honors highlight models that excel in safety, reliability, space, convenience, and connectivity, and are based on professional automotive reviews combined with safety and reliability ratings.

Kia's 2024 Telluride also proudly received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating, while the 2024 Sportage earned the TOP SAFETY PICK rating. These ratings designate a high level of protection for both the vehicle, its occupants, and vulnerable road users.

In a further testament to its global appeal, the 2024 EV9 was declared the World's Best Car for 2024 by the Women's Worldwide Car of the Year (WWCOTY). An international panel of 75 women motoring journalists from 52 countries judged various aspects such as safety, quality, price, and environmental footprint to award the EV9 the top spot over 63 contenders.

March Performance Highlights

Kia America's financial table for the month of March and the year-to-date sales posted impressive numbers, reflecting consumer excitement for Kia’s lineup – especially their electric vehicles such as the EV9 and EV6. The EV9 particularly stood out with 1,281 units sold in March 2024 and 4,007 units year-to-date, signifying the brand's successful foray into the EV market. The EV6 also showed promising sales figures with 1,537 units in March, almost double that of the previous year. Other notable performers include models such as the Rio, Forte, and K5, each with significant year-over-year increases.

A Champion Among SUVs

Blending innovative design with advanced technology, the Kia Sorento captured the market's attention with its latest significant sales increase of 28% over the previous year, a direct result of the refreshed 2024 model's launch. Kia's commitment to improving their existing models keeps the brand at a competitive edge within the highly contested SUV market.

The Sportage further cements its position as a popular choice among consumers with rising sales numbers, up 17% from the previous year. Telluride's allure remains strong, with over 10,000 units sold in March 2024, demonstrating the model's ongoing ability to meet the high demands and tastes of SUV enthusiasts. The Carnival, a family-centric model, increased by 15% in sales, showing Kia's ability to understand and meet the multifaceted needs of modern families.

Supporting a Greener Future

In line with its vision of promoting sustainable transportation, Kia America's first quarter EV sales skyrocketed by 88%, shedding light on the increasing shift towards eco-friendly options within the auto industry. The impressive 151% rise in EV sales over the previous year in March alone marks a dynamic transition in consumer preferences.

Kia America – Committed to Excellence

Situated in Irvine, California, Kia America boasts a reputation for surpassing quality expectations within the automotive industry, earning a spot among the TIME100 Most Influential Companies of 2023. As the Official Automotive Partner of the NBA, Kia offers a comprehensive range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicles. Sold through a network of over 775 dealers in the U.S., several of Kia’s cars and SUVs are proudly assembled in America*, solidifying the company’s commitment to the domestic market.

For more insights into Kia America's innovations and industry-leading quality, media outlets and enthusiasts can explore extensive information and multimedia resources at the company's dedicated media site, www.kiamedia.com. Interested parties may also sign up for custom email notifications to receive real-time press release updates straight from Kia America. For this facility and more such personalized services, subscribing at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert is recommended.

Advanced Technology and Comfort

The upcoming K4 compact sedan, making its global debut at the New York International Auto Show, epitomizes Kia’s innovation with state-of-the-art technology. The model is replete with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)^1 aiming to dazzle technology enthusiasts, while also providing unmatched comfort with class-leading rear headroom and legroom^2. The GT-Line turbocharged engine ensures a thrilling driving experience, appealing to those who prioritize performance along with advanced tech.

Safety as a Standard

With the spotlight on safety, the accolades received by Kia's vehicles, such as the TOP SAFETY PICK+ for Telluride and the TOP SAFETY PICK for Sportage by the IIHS, emphasize Kia's unwavering dedication to passenger and road-user safety in all its models. The fact that these vehicles offer the highest level of protection assures buyers of their meticulous attention to safety standards.

Global Recognition

The international recognition bestowed upon the Kia EV9 — from the World Car of the Year and World Electric Vehicle titles to the World's Best Car for 2024 by the WWCOTY — showcases the company's global leadership and commitment to excellence. The meticulous consideration of voting parameters, including the vehicle’s environmental footprint, indicates Kia’s alignment with the global move towards sustainability.

Strengthening Dealer Networks and Assembly in the U.S.

Kia's growing network of dealerships and commitment to American assembly lines, producing models such as the Sportage (excluding HEV and PHEV models), Sorento (excluding HEV and PHEV models), and Telluride from U.S. and globally sourced parts, fortifies the company's roots in the U.S. market. This approach not only serves to meet the increasing demand but also generates greater trust and reliability among American consumers.

In the face of a transforming automotive industry, Kia America's historic sales achievement in March 2024 is a testament to its innovative vision and ability to adapt to shifting consumer trends. With the enthusiastic reception of its SUV lineup and electrified models, Kia is diligently working towards a sustained position of growth and influence in the global automotive arena.

Notes:

1. Advanced driver assistance systems are not substitutes for safe driving and may not detect all objects surrounding the vehicle. Always drive safely and exercise caution.

2. Based on a review of publicly available information from OEM websites as of March 8, 2024.

• The Sportage, Sorento, and Telluride models are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

Source: Kia America