Kia (000270) sold 266,675 vehicles globally in August, up 5.0% from a year earlier.
The automaker said on the 1st that last month's total comprised 40,213 units in South Korea, 225,413 units overseas and 1,049 special-purpose vehicles for the defense sector. Overseas sales rose 7.4% year-on-year, while domestic sales fell 7.6%.
By model, the Sportage was the top seller globally with 46,239 units. The Seltos followed with 35,698 units and the Sorento with 18,404 units.
The Sorento was the best-selling model in South Korea for the month, with 6,397 units. Passenger car sales totaled 9,758 units, led by the Ray at 3,718, the K8 at 1,938 and the K5 at 1,920. Recreational vehicle sales totaled 26,233 units, including the Sorento, the Carnival at 4,186, the Sportage at 3,874 and the Seltos at 3,307. Commercial vehicle sales came to 4,222 units, with the Bongo III at 2,385 and the PV5 at 1,744.
In overseas markets, the Sportage was the top seller with 42,365 units, followed by the Seltos at 32,391 and the K4 at 17,519.
Special-purpose vehicle sales totaled 152 units in South Korea and 897 units overseas.
"Domestic sales declined from a year earlier because of fewer working days during the summer vacation period, but overseas markets continued to grow through tailored sales strategies based on regional demand," a Kia official said. "For the rest of the second half, we will sustain sales growth momentum centered on electrified vehicles — hybrids in the United States and electric vehicles in Europe."
