Kia UK has kicked off 2025 with an unprecedented surge in sales, setting a new benchmark for the brand’s success. With a record-breaking March and a stellar first quarter, Kia has firmly established itself as one of the UK’s leading automotive brands. March 2025 saw Kia achieve its highest-ever monthly sales, surpassing 19,993 vehicles sold, making it the fourth best-selling brand in the UK for the month. It’s a feat that highlights Kia’s strong market position and continues to build on its momentum from earlier in the year.
Record-Breaking Month and Quarter
March was a particularly remarkable month for Kia, not only surpassing the 19,000 sales mark but also marking the highest sales in the brand’s 34-year history in the UK. What makes this achievement even more significant is the remarkable performance of Kia’s electrified models, including electric vehicles (EVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). Together, these models accounted for more than 55% of the brand’s total sales, reinforcing Kia’s leadership in the electrified vehicle market.
The Kia EV3, in particular, had an exceptional month, maintaining its position as the best-selling EV within the UK retail market. This success is part of a broader trend, with electric vehicle sales accounting for a substantial 21% of Kia’s total sales in March, far exceeding the industry average. Alongside the EV3, the EV6, EV9, and Niro EV also contributed to the brand’s electrified sales surge, cementing Kia’s reputation as a leader in the EV space.
Sportage Leads the Charge
As always, Kia’s Sportage remained a key driver of sales in March. With 7,874 units sold, the Sportage finished the month as the second best-selling car in the UK, accounting for an impressive 39% of Kia UK’s total sales. This enduring popularity is reflected in the Sportage’s performance on a global scale, with UK sales of the model surpassing those in Kia’s home market of South Korea by over 1,000 units. The Sportage continues to be the go-to choice for UK drivers seeking a reliable, stylish, and versatile family SUV.
A Strong Start to the Year
Kia’s outstanding performance didn’t start in March – it’s been a consistent trend throughout 2025. The year began with a record-breaking January, as Kia recorded 10,813 sales, achieving a 7.8% market share and positioning itself as the second best-selling brand overall. January saw Sportage and Picanto lead the charge, with the EV3 also emerging as the best-selling EV in the retail market. February, while slightly quieter, was no less significant, as Kia maintained its position as the UK’s second best-selling brand and continued to lead the electrified vehicle market.
By the end of March, Kia had sold 35,063 vehicles, giving the brand a 6.0% market share and securing its place as the third best-selling brand in the UK for the year-to-date. Kia’s electrified vehicle sales were particularly impressive, with more than 7,000 EVs sold in Q1 alone, reflecting a 47% increase compared to the same period in 2024. The EV3, in particular, has played a key role in this success, holding its position as the best-selling EV in the UK retail market.
Global Success and Future Plans
Kia’s success extends far beyond the UK. Globally, Kia achieved a record-breaking 772,351 sales in Q1 2025, with the Sportage continuing to lead as the brand’s global best-seller. These impressive figures make Q1 2025 Kia’s best-ever quarter, both in the UK and globally.
Looking ahead, Kia is poised to build on this momentum with an exciting lineup of new products. At the 2025 Kia EV Day, the brand unveiled the highly anticipated EV4 and EV2 concept models, signaling Kia’s continued commitment to leading the electric vehicle market. The launch of the PV5 electric van also highlights Kia’s ambition to dominate the global electric van market, with the first deliveries of the vehicle expected by the end of the year.
In addition to new product launches, Kia has garnered significant industry recognition in 2025. The EV3, which began sales in January, has already won prestigious awards, including ‘UK Car of the Year 2024’ and a shortlist for the ‘World Car of the Year’ 2025. These accolades further solidify Kia’s position as a leader in both the electric and overall automotive sectors.
A Message from Kia UK’s Leadership
Paul Philpott, President and CEO of Kia UK Limited, expressed his pride in the company’s record-breaking achievements. “2025 has started as yet another fantastic year for Kia. Following record-breaking sales in January and February, hitting record sales in a single month for March is an incredible achievement. This success is the result of the unwavering dedication of our dealer partners, who continue to put customers first and maintain a high level of service.”
Philpott added, “While the rest of 2025 presents new challenges, Kia is ready to build on the momentum gained in Q1, with a series of exciting new product launches on the horizon, including the EV4, EV5, and the launch of our Platform Beyond Vehicle business, which will see electric vans delivered to customers by the end of the year.”
Kia’s historic first quarter in 2025 marks a significant milestone for the brand, both in the UK and globally. With record-breaking sales, strong performance in electrified vehicles, and a growing market share, Kia is on track to continue its growth and innovation in the automotive industry. The brand’s dedication to delivering high-quality, electrified, and customer-focused vehicles has undoubtedly paid off, positioning Kia as a key player in the evolving automotive landscape. As Kia heads into the remainder of 2025, the future looks brighter than ever for the brand.
