Kia Motors' Overseas Sales Drop 44% in May... Domestic Market Performs Well Due to 'New Car Effect'

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] Kia Motors announced on the 1st that it sold 160,913 units globally in May, a 32.7% decrease compared to the same period last year. Compared to the same period last year, domestic sales increased by 19% to 51,181 units, while overseas sales decreased by 44% to 109,732 units.

By model, the Sportage was the best-selling with 25,738 units, followed by the Seltos with 19,278 units, and the Sorento with 16,550 units.

Last month, Kia sold a total of 51,181 units domestically. The best-selling vehicle was the Sorento (9,297 units), marking the second consecutive month as Kia's top monthly seller.

Passenger car models sold a total of 21,251 units, including 8,136 units of the K5, 4,464 units of the K7, and 3,452 units of the Morning. RV models, including the Sorento, sold a total of 23,874 units, with 5,604 units of the Seltos, 2,941 units of the Carnival, and 2,227 units of the Niro. Commercial models sold a total of 6,056 units, including 5,958 units of the Bongo III, combining buses and trucks.

Overseas sales recorded 109,732 units, a 44% decrease compared to the same month last year. This is attributed to the global market's weakened consumer sentiment due to the spread of COVID-19, restrictions on dealer sales activities, and the impact of reduced operations at overseas factories.

By model, the Sportage led overseas sales with 24,229 units sold. The Seltos followed with 13,674 units, and the K3 (Forte) with 13,207 units.

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.