Kia Motors Hit Hard by COVID-19, Overseas Sales Halved in April

[Asia Economy Reporter Suyeon Woo] Due to the impact of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), Kia Motors' overseas sales sharply declined to about half compared to the same period last year.

According to Kia Motors on the 6th, in April this year, Kia sold a total of 134,216 units in the global market, including 50,361 units domestically and 83,855 units overseas, a 41.1% decrease compared to the previous year. Domestic sales increased by 19.9% compared to the same period last year, but overseas sales decreased by 54.9%.

By model, the Sportage was the best-selling model in the global market with 18,398 units sold, followed by the Seltos with 16,655 units and the K3 (Forte) with 13,120 units.

Kia's overseas sales in April this year recorded 83,855 units, down 54.9% from the same month last year. This was due to the spread of COVID-19, which dampened consumer sentiment in the global market and restricted dealer sales activities. Moreover, most overseas factories temporarily suspended operations, causing production disruptions.

By model, overseas sales were led by the Sportage with 16,649 units sold, followed by the Seltos with 11,058 units and the K3 (Forte) with 10,511 units.

On the other hand, in the domestic market, sales reached 50,361 units, a 19.9% increase compared to the same month last year. Thanks to the new car effect that began at the end of last year, Kia continued strong domestic sales in April.

The 4th generation Sorento, launched in mid-March, sold 9,270 units, making it the best-selling Kia vehicle last month. Passenger models sold a total of 21,240 units, including the K5 with 7,953 units, the K7 with 4,772 units, and the Morning with 2,960 units.

Including the Sorento, RV models sold a total of 23,599 units, with the Seltos at 5,597 units, the Niro at 2,300 units, and the Mohave at 2,143 units. Commercial models sold a total of 5,522 units, including 5,412 units of the Bongo III, combining buses and trucks.

A Kia Motors official stated, "Although management uncertainty has increased due to the COVID-19 situation, we will minimize negative impacts through proactive risk management and overcome difficulties by leading with new models such as the Sorento and K5."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.