IRVINE, Calif. - Kia America has started the year with a strong sales performance in January, delivering 51,090 units, indicating a notable presence in the SUV and electric vehicle (EV) markets. The company's SUV and utility lineup, which represents 74% of January's sales, saw an increase over the previous year. The all-new EV9, Kia's three-row electric SUV, contributed significantly to a 57% year-over-year increase in Kia's EV sales, with 1,408 units sold in January.
Four Kia models achieved their best-ever sales for the month of January. The Carnival (NYSE:CCL) minivan sales soared by 81% year-over-year, the Sportage compact SUV increased by 16%, the Forte sedan went up by 10%, and the EV6 electric crossover saw a 9% rise compared to the same period last year.
Eric Watson, vice president of sales operations at Kia America, expressed confidence in the brand's growth trajectory, especially with the transition to electrified models. The EV9 has been off to a robust start, recently being named the 2024 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year. Kia plans to maintain its momentum with the introduction of six new or significantly redesigned vehicles scheduled to arrive in showrooms throughout 2024.
In addition to sales achievements, Kia America has announced several initiatives. The company has partnered with Riot Games as the official sponsor of the League of Legends Championship Series and is preparing for its 15th Super Bowl campaign with the all-electric EV9. Furthermore, at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024, Kia Corporation and Uber (NYSE:UBER) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the development and deployment of purpose-built vehicles (PBVs).
Kia America, headquartered in Irvine, California, is known for topping automotive quality surveys and was listed among the TIME100 Most Influential Companies of 2023. The brand, which is the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA, offers a variety of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicles sold through its network of over 775 dealers in the U.S. This report is based on a press release statement from Kia America.
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