Kia America closed August with record-breaking retail sales, higher than any other month in company history. The addition of the all-electric 3-row EV9 SUV led to a 27-percent increase in EV sales over the same period last year, while PHEV models increased 43-percent year-over-year, resulting in a 9-percent growth in sales of Kia’s electrified models over August 2023 and reinforcing the brand's leadership position as the industry shifts toward electrification. Also, the sales of Kia’s SUV models posted a 9-percent gain, further underscoring the ongoing popularity of Kia’s utility vehicles.

Kia America August sales totaled 75,217 units, posting best August sales in company history, with SUVs accounting for 75- and electrified models 18-percent of the overall total. Four Kia models – Seltos (+30-percent); Sportage (+23-percent); Telluride (+5-percent); and Forte (+13-percent) – set best-ever August sales records, further contributing to the brand’s record-breaking sales performance.

“Kia’s dealer sales were higher than any month in company history by effectively managing inventory shortages as well as executing proactive marketing and sales activities in the month,” said Eric Watson, vice president, sales operations, Kia America. “Kia SUVs continue to gain popularity in the market up 9-percent YoY and our EV sales continue to strengthen up 27-percent YoY.  Our outlook for the remainder of the year is optimistic with increased availability on the refreshed K5 and the introduction of both Carnival hybrid and the all-new K4 sedan.”

In addition to the monthly sales performance, Kia America announced several initiatives, including:

• Kia America received the highest number of awards by a single brand with five Kia models taking top honors in their respective segments in the J.D. Power 2024 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) study. For the fourth consecutive year, the K5 was the highest-ranked Midsize Car with the all-electric EV6 (Compact SUV) and Carnival (Minivan) topping their respective segments, each for the third time. The Forte was the highest ranked Compact Car for the second year in a row and the EV9 earned its first category award (Upper Midsize SUV) in the model’s first year on sale. 

• Kia America earned eight honors in the 2024 Newsweek Autos Awards. Individual vehicle awards included: Best Vehicle for Commuters for the Kia Sportage, Top Pick for Tomorrow Seekers for the all-electric Kia EV9, Top Pick for Suburbanites for the Kia EV9, Top Pick for Urbanities for the Kia Seltos, Top Pick for Empty Nesters for the Kia Sorento, Top Pick for Empty Nesters for the Kia Carnival, Top Pick for First-Time Car Buyers for the Kia Seltos, and Top Pick for Commuters for the Kia Niro. 

• The brand’s return to the ninth annual Rebelle Rally, marking the brand’s fifth consecutive year of competition in the grueling navigational challenge. A custom student-designed wrap will adorn the modified Telluride X-Pro SUV when the Rally takes place this Fall.