For the second consecutive year, Kia UK has been honoured with the prestigious title of Carmaker of the Year at the Motor Trader Industry Awards 2024. The announcement, made during a star-studded ceremony at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel on 20 November, celebrates Kia’s unwavering commitment to innovation, excellence, and dealer relations.
The awards, one of the most anticipated events in the automotive calendar, saw around 1,000 industry leaders gather to recognise the best of the sector. Kia’s win was determined by a highly respected panel of judges who evaluated the brand’s impressive product line-up, its forward-thinking vision, and its strong, mutually beneficial relationship with its dealer network. The brand’s ability to consistently deliver both strong returns for its dealers and exceptional vehicles for customers was pivotal in securing the award.
“Kia won the Carmaker of the Year award for its strong line-up of vehicles and the positive relationship it enjoys with its dealer network across the board,” said the Motor Trader Industry Awards Judging Panel. “It is ranked highly by dealers in terms of return on investment and the current and future profitability of the franchise. Kia has consistently delivered as the top franchise in successive NFDA dealer surveys.”
A Testament to Dealer Partnerships and Business Strategy
Simon Hetherington, Commercial Director of Kia UK, accepted the award with pride, offering heartfelt thanks to the company’s dealer partners and team. “We’re thrilled to once again be recognised as Carmaker of the Year, which is testament to the strength of our dealer partnerships, business strategy, and our award-winning product portfolio,” Hetherington said. “This past year has brought its challenges, particularly with the introduction of the first Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandates, but together with our partners, we’ve risen to meet them. We continue to be on track for our best-ever sales year in the UK—a truly momentous occasion.”
Kia’s strategic focus on collaboration with its dealers has paid off, with the company maintaining a robust and supportive business environment even in the face of industry disruptions. The brand’s strength lies in its ability to adapt and thrive in an evolving market, which has contributed significantly to its continued success in the UK.
Record Sales and Strong Growth
2024 has been another milestone year for Kia, with the brand surpassing 100,000 sales by the end of October, setting it on course to break its full-year sales record. The Kia Sportage continues to dominate its segment as the UK’s most popular compact SUV, while also holding the position of the UK’s second-best-selling car overall. This success is a reflection of Kia’s ability to meet consumer demands and deliver vehicles that resonate with a broad audience.
In addition to its exceptional sales performance, Kia launched its highly anticipated EV3 model throughout 2024. The affordable electric vehicle, which toured nearly all of Kia’s 189 dealerships across the UK, generated significant buzz and engagement. Over 1,000 orders were placed before the EV3 even officially arrived in showrooms, a testament to the growing demand for Kia’s electric offerings. The brand’s ‘EV3 Electric Experience’ events allowed customers to engage directly with the vehicle, solidifying its place as a key player in the UK’s electrification journey.
An Industry Leader in Dealer Satisfaction
Kia UK’s dealer network continues to rank the brand as the best to work with, with the company topping the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) Dealer Attitude Survey for the fourth consecutive time. Kia dominated 39 out of the 56 questions posed in the survey, which asked dealers to assess brands on areas such as franchise profitability, support, and communication. This achievement further underscores Kia’s position as a leader in fostering strong, mutually beneficial relationships with its dealers.
Looking Ahead
With another Carmaker of the Year title in hand, Kia UK’s momentum shows no signs of slowing. As the brand celebrates this achievement, it is clear that its focus on delivering quality products, fostering dealer success, and embracing innovation in a rapidly changing market will continue to drive its growth in the years to come. For Kia, the future looks not only bright but also electric, with its commitment to sustainability and customer satisfaction paving the way for continued success.
“We owe this recognition to our network for their hard work, perseverance, and collaboration,” Simon Hetherington added. “We are proud of what we’ve achieved and excited for what lies ahead. Together, we will continue to rise to new challenges and exceed expectations.”
