Kia’s sales in China have increased significantly. According to Chinese automobile media Autohome, Kia sold more than 22,000 units last month, and its cumulative sales from January to August this year increased 61.3% compared to the same period last year. Sales were led by the Seltos and EV5, which will be released domestically next year.
Kia sold 22,498 units in the Chinese market last month, up 36.2% from August last year. Cumulative sales from January to August this year were 154,243 units, up 61.3% from the same period last year. In particular, Kia’s Chinese plant production increased by 92.7%, exceeding 140,000 units.
Kia’s sales in China were led by the Seltos, Sonet, and EV5. The EV5 is a mid-sized electric SUV in the Sportage class, and was launched in China at an attractive price of 149,800 yuan (about 28 million won). The EV5 will be launched domestically next year, with the Chinese version being produced at Kia’s Chinese plant, and the U.S. version being produced at a domestic plant.
EV5 sales in China were limited to 104 units in the first month of its launch in China last year and 347 units in December, but sales increased significantly in March when the long-range specification was added. The EV5 is recording an average monthly sales of over 1,000 units this year. Kia will expand its lineup by introducing the EV5 GT line to China within the year.
Meanwhile, the EV5 is based on the E-GMP platform and has a body size of 4615mm in length, 1875mm in width, 1715mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2750mm. The exterior of the EV5 reflects Kia’s latest electric vehicle design language, and is equipped with a panoramic wide display, full-flat second-row seats, and the latest ADAS system.
