Kia’s new car sales in Western Europe climbed significantly during May, with 10 countries reporting major improvements – robustly out-performing the depressed overall market. Sales rose by
62% (Slovakia), 58% (Austria), 50% (Gibraltar), 49% (Sweden), 43% (Poland), 24% (Germany), 21% (UK), 13% (Czech Republic), 6% (Belgium) and 3% in Italy – compared to May 2008. Total sales
during May reached 20,667 cars, almost matching the 2008 figure and raising Kia’s 2009 market share once again.
"In the current economic climate, the Kia model line-up is proving extremely competitive,” comments Mr Panu Vainamo, General Manager Marketing, Kia Motors Europe. “More than ever before, consumers are focusing on good value, reliability and service, as well as ‘stand-out’ design and high build quality, plus the peace of mind guaranteed by a generous warranty.”
The latest Kia to go on sale in Europe, the new Kia Soul urban crossover car, recently earned a 5-Star Euro NCAP safety rating and is being given a very positive reception by media and consumers, with total sales since launch passing the 8,300 mark during May. The Kia Picanto was the brand’s top-seller in May with sales up 48%, followed by the cee’d five-door hatchback, the cee’d Sporty Wagon, the B-segment Rio and the Soul.
Kia sales in Europe for the first five months of 2009 reached 94,082 units, just 11.8% down on last year’s sales in a market that has suffered a general decline in the region of 15%.
Kia sales in Western Europe (Top 5 models)
May Year-to-Date
1 cee’d (5-dr & wagon) 8,252 36,781
2 Picanto 4,835 18,646
3 Rio 2,104 8,903
4 Soul 1,737 8,333
5 Sportage 1,470 8,251
