Kia (000270.KS) posted its highest third-quarter global sales on record.
The automaker sold a combined 846,764 vehicles at home and abroad in the third quarter from July through September, the most for any third quarter since it began selling cars in 1962, Kia said on the 1st. Domestic sales totaled 140,522 units, overseas sales 703,494 units and special-purpose vehicles 2,748 units.
The previous third-quarter record was set last year, when Kia sold 785,137 vehicles, including 137,519 units domestically, 646,118 units overseas and 1,500 special-purpose vehicles.
The Sportage was Kia's best-selling model globally in the third quarter at 150,346 units, followed by the Seltos at 109,256 units and the Sorento at 56,928 units.
"Overseas, we maintained strong sales momentum through strategies tailored to electrified vehicle demand that differs by region," a Kia official said. "In the remaining fourth quarter, we will continue our sales growth momentum centered on electrified vehicles, including hybrids in the United States and electric vehicles in Europe."
Kia's global sales in September came to 281,984 units, up 5.1% from a year earlier. The figure comprised 45,705 units in South Korea, 235,457 units overseas and 822 special-purpose vehicles. Excluding special-purpose vehicles, domestic sales fell 6.7% from a year earlier while overseas sales rose 7.5%.
By model, the Sportage led September global sales at 51,884 units, with the Seltos at 37,950 units and the Sorento at 21,115 units also ranking near the top.
The Sorento was the top seller in the domestic market at 6,957 units. Passenger car sales totaled 11,961 units, including 4,230 Ray, 2,916 K5 and 2,522 Morning units. SUV and MPV sales came to 29,403 units, including the Sorento along with 5,497 Sportage, 5,422 Seltos and 5,286 Carnival units. Commercial vehicle sales totaled 4,341 units, including 2,347 Bongo III and 1,888 PV5 units.
In overseas markets, the Sportage was the best-selling model at 46,387 units, followed by the Seltos at 32,528 units and the K4 at 15,659 units.
