Kia is Europe’s fastest-growing top 10 automotive brand, driven by the strength of its electrified line-up

• According to ACEA*, Kia is Europe’s fastest-growing top 10 passenger-car brand YTD, with volume increasing 9.0% and market share reaching 4.1%
• Kia recorded a volume of 36,392 units in August, a 15.5% year-on-year increase, significantly ahead of the 5.3% growth of the EU+EFTA+UK market
• Kia’s EV registrations increased 58% year-on-year, giving the brand an approximately 4.8% market share and placing Kia seventh overall
• Kia’s performance is supported by Kia’s expanding EV portfolio, including the EV4 and EV2, both produced at Kia’s European plant in Žilina
• Strong hybrid momentum is led by the Sportage HEV, supported by an expanding HEV line-up including the all-new Seltos 

Kia recorded a volume of 377,078 passenger cars in Europe between January and August 2026, an increase of 9.0% year-on-year, according to the latest registration data published by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA)*. This makes Kia the fastest-growing top 10 automotive brand in the European passenger-car market. Kia’s European market share increased to 4.1%, from 4.0% during the same period in 2025, placing the brand ninth overall.

In August, Kia recorded 36,392 units, representing a 15.5% increase compared with August 2025 (31,512 units). Kia significantly outpaced the overall EU + EFTA + UK passenger-car market, which grew by 5.3% year-on-year in August. Kia’s monthly market share increased to 4.4%, from 4.0% in August 2025.

During the first eight months of 2026, the overall EU+EFTA+UK passenger-car market grew by 5.8% to 9,192,528 registrations. Kia therefore outpaced overall market growth both year-to-date and in August.

“Kia’s outstanding performance so far this year is testament to the growing strength of our brand, our dealer network and our vehicle portfolio across Europe,” said Sjoerd Knipping, Chief Operating Officer of Kia Europe. “With one of the broadest and most advanced electrified line-ups in Europe, Kia places a strong focus on real-world efficiency, customer convenience, progressive design and everyday usability. Our market performance demonstrates that an increasing number of European customers are choosing Kia.”

Strong momentum across European markets
Across key European markets, Kia continued to strengthen its position. Kia maintained its number-one position in the Netherlands with a 9.8% market share and ranked second in the UK passenger-car market with a 5.5% share. Kia also achieved market shares well above its European average in Sweden (8.3%), Ireland (7.5%) and Slovakia (7.4%).**

Kia’s EV registrations increased 58% year-on-year
Electric vehicles continued to play a central role in Kia’s European growth. Kia’s EV registrations increased 58% year-on-year, giving the brand an approximately 4.8% share of the European EV market and placing Kia seventh overall. Strong EV growth was recorded across key markets, including France (+120%), Germany (+112%), the UK (+66%), Spain (+60%) and Italy (+41%).**

Growth driven by the strength of Kia’s EV and HEV line-up
Kia’s strong EV performance was supported by the continued expansion of its EV portfolio and the ramp-up of recently launched models, including the EV4 and the EV2, produced at Kia’s European manufacturing facility. The EV3 remains a key contributor to Kia’s fully electric performance, while newer models continue to expand the brand’s presence across key European segments. Kia’s EV portfolio now spans the EV2, EV3, EV4, EV5, EV6, EV9 and PV5.** 

Kia’s growth is also supported by strong momentum in hybrid vehicles, sustained by the Sportage HEV. The brand’s hybrid portfolio will soon be further strengthened with the all-new Seltos HEV.

Kia continues to advance its electrification strategy in Europe, offering customers an increasingly broad range of innovative, desirable and accessible electrified vehicles.

Ends

Notes for editors
*Source: ACEA – for EU + EFTA + UK.  The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association, based on aggregated data provided by national automobile associations, ACEA members, and S&P Global Mobility. Current-year ACEA data contain provisional figures and may therefore be subject to revision.
**Source: Data provided by DataForce, a TransPerfect Company. Used in accordance with the applicable terms and permissions.

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