Kia named Manufacturer of the Year, while EV3 scoops New EV and New Car of the Year titles
Kia UK has kicked off 2025 with a commanding performance at the prestigious AM Awards, walking away with not one but three major accolades. The brand has been crowned ‘Manufacturer of the Year’, reaffirming its status as a powerhouse in the UK automotive landscape. Meanwhile, Kia’s latest all-electric marvel, the EV3, was honoured with both ‘New EV of the Year’ and ‘New Car of the Year’, underlining its immediate impact and consumer appeal.
This latest round of accolades reinforces a familiar pattern of success for the Korean marque. It marks the third time in four years that Kia has claimed the coveted Manufacturer of the Year title, further entrenching its reputation as one of the UK’s most trusted and innovative car brands.
A Flying Start to 2025
Kia’s success at the AM Awards mirrors its robust market performance. As of April, Kia stands as the third best-selling automotive brand in the UK, with over 43,000 new vehicles registered year-to-date. Central to this momentum is the EV3 — a new electric vehicle that has swiftly become the brand’s fastest-selling EV of all time.
Launched in late 2024, the EV3 has clearly struck a chord with UK drivers. Available in three well-equipped trim levels and offering a choice of battery options — the largest capable of delivering up to 375 miles of range on a single charge* — it has become the best-selling EV in the UK retail market for 2025 so far.
Industry and Consumer Acclaim
Speaking on the achievement, Paul Philpott, President and CEO of Kia UK, said:
“We are thrilled to receive such excellent recognition for our business and our product. The Manufacturer of the Year award is a perfect reflection of the way we run our business and celebrates the mutually beneficial partnership we have with our dealers. It also leads perfectly on to our awards for the new EV3, as it is our industry-leading products which form the backbone of our continued success.”
Philpott extended his thanks to the AM Awards judges, readers, and dealer partners who voted for Kia, helping to secure yet another winning year.
Tim Rose, Editor of Automotive Management, echoed the sentiment, stating:
“Yet again, our dealer readers and the judging panel have recognised the positive impact that Kia has made in the UK’s motor retail industry. It has great relationships with its dealers, and it provides them with stylish and well-equipped cars that bring customers to their dealerships.”
He added that the EV3’s double-win is further proof of Kia’s growing influence in the electric vehicle space:
“The fact that Kia EV3 was voted both New EV of the Year and New Car of the Year demonstrates how the brand is helping consumers adopt more affordable EVs without compromising on technology.”
A Pattern of Excellence
The EV3’s success at the AM Awards adds to an already growing trophy cabinet. The model recently picked up both the UK Car of the Year and World Car of the Year titles, an impressive feat for a vehicle still in the early stages of its market life.
This year’s wins follow a similar triumph in 2024, when Kia’s larger electric SUV, the EV9, was named ‘EV of the Year’. Kia UK’s sustained run of form reflects a brand that is not only in tune with evolving customer expectations but one that is also consistently delivering on innovation, design, and dealer satisfaction.
As the EV3 continues to gain traction and Kia strengthens its presence in the UK, it’s clear that this is more than just a good year — it’s a continuation of a golden era for the brand.
