Kia posts 277,715 global sales in May, up 2.7% year-on-year, solidifying its golden age

*This content was translated by AI.

Kia continued its year-on-year growth for three consecutive months, driven by robust demand in overseas markets and a tailored strategy for eco-friendly vehicles. The globally popular SUV Sportage led performance growth by recording unparalleled sales volumes in both domestic and export markets.

Kia announced on the 1st that it sold a total of 277,715 units globally in May 2026, including 44,713 units domestically, 232,781 units overseas, and 221 special vehicles. This represents a 2.7% increase compared to the same month last year and a slight 0.2% increase compared to the previous month of April (277,258 units).

The primary driver of May performance growth was the overseas market. Overseas sales reached 232,781 units, a 3.4% increase compared to the same period last year, and a 5.0% increase compared to the previous month (221,780 units). By vehicle model, the mid-size SUV Sportage led with 47,533 units sold, establishing itself as the top-selling model overseas. This was followed by the compact SUV Seltos with 26,039 units, and the new model K4, targeted at the North American market, with 21,488 units sold.

In the domestic market, 44,713 units were recorded, showing a slight 0.6% decrease compared to the same month last year, indicating a flat trend. Compared to the previous month (55,045 units), this represents a 18.8% decline. The best-selling vehicle in the domestic market in May was the flagship SUV Sorento, with 7,836 units sold. In the recreational vehicle (RV) segment, a total of 28,683 units were sold, including 4,760 Sportages, 4,543 Carnivals, and 3,169 SolTosses. In the passenger car segment, sales totaled 1,979 units, with 3,419 Ray light cars, 2,237 K5 mid-size sedans, and 2,234 Morning models sold. The commercial vehicle segment recorded 5,051 units, including 2,644 Bongo III small trucks and 2,303 Purpose-Based Mobility (PBV) PV5s. Special vehicles sold 221 units in total, comprising 14 units domestically and 207 units overseas.

Cumulative global sales from January to May this year totaled 1,334,714 units, including 241,271 units in the domestic market, 1,091,660 units overseas, and 1,783 special vehicles. This represents a 1.3% increase compared to the same period last year.

A Kia official stated, "Currently, region-specific eco-friendly vehicle strategies are proving effective, with SUV HYBE LEAD (HEV) models highlighted in the U.S. market and mass-market electric vehicle (EV) LINEups promoted in the European market. As a result, sales growth compared to the same period last year has continued for three consecutive months, and we will continue to maintain global sales momentum through refined sales strategies tailored to market conditions in the future."

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*This content was translated by AI.