Kia UK has achieved an extraordinary milestone, being named ‘Carmaker of the Year’ for the third year in a row at the Motor Trader Industry Awards 2025. Announced on 19 November at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel—one of the automotive sector’s most anticipated annual gatherings—the award underscores Kia’s consistent performance in innovation, electrification, and dealer-focused strategy.
The judging panel celebrated Kia for presenting what it called “a compelling package”—an assessment shaped by the brand’s strong dealer relationships, franchise profitability, comprehensive dealer training programmes and its flourishing EV range. The panel also highlighted Kia’s growing PBV (Platform Beyond Vehicle) business as evidence of the brand’s continued momentum in future mobility.
A Win Rooted in Partnership
Accepting the award, Paul Philpott, President and CEO at Kia UK, emphasised that the recognition reflects the company’s dealer-first philosophy. He noted that 2025 has been a defining year shaped by the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate and rapidly evolving customer expectations, challenges that Kia’s network has met “with resilience, creativity and collaboration.”
Philpott also highlighted the strategic expansion into commercial vehicles, a move that has diversified Kia’s offering and introduced new customer segments to the brand. This development has strengthened both the dealer network and Kia’s positioning in the UK market—now extending beyond passenger vehicles into a broader mobility ecosystem.
Product Momentum Driving Success
Kia’s winning streak is underpinned by an impressive model offensive and exceptional sales performance, with the brand on track to surpass its UK annual sales record yet again.
At the heart of this momentum is the Kia EV3. In its first full year on sale, the compact electric SUV has earned prestigious accolades including 2025 UK Car of the Year and World Car of the Year, cementing its status as one of the most influential EVs launched in recent years.
For 2025, Kia’s product expansion takes another significant step forward with:
- EV4 and EV5, two fully electric models that further broaden Kia’s electric portfolio
- K4, introducing an all-new entrant to the competitive C-segment
- EV9 GT, adding thrilling performance to the flagship EV9
- Updated versions of the EV6 GT, Stonic, and the globally acclaimed Sportage
This renewed line-up strengthens Kia’s electric and combustion offerings, ensuring the brand maintains relevance across both mainstream and emerging segments.
Expanding into PBVs: A New Commercial Frontier
One of Kia’s most transformative developments is the launch of its PBV commercial vehicle business. Central to this is the PV5, Kia’s first purpose-built electric light commercial vehicle designed to serve evolving business mobility needs.
Supporting the PBV rollout is an entirely new network of dedicated PBV Centres across the UK. These centres provide tailored sales and aftersales support for commercial customers, offering a specialist environment designed to mirror the quality and consistency seen in Kia’s passenger car network.
The Industry’s Most Respected Dealer Relationships
Kia’s customer-facing achievements are matched by its long-term standing within the dealer community. In November, UK dealerships once again ranked Kia as the top volume franchise in the NFDA Dealer Attitude Survey—a position the brand has held within the top three for an astonishing 19 consecutive surveys. This level of consistency is rare in the sector, demonstrating deep trust and alignment between Kia and its retail partners.
A Standard-Setting Year for Kia UK
Kia’s third consecutive ‘Carmaker of the Year’ title reflects a brand operating at peak performance. Strong multi-year dealer satisfaction, a robust EV strategy, an expanding product line-up and a bold move into PBVs all illustrate a company not only keeping pace with industry change, but actively shaping its direction.
As the UK automotive market continues to navigate electrification, regulatory shifts and changing consumer behaviour, Kia stands out as a brand defined by stability, strategic clarity and ambitious innovation—qualities that make this latest win both well-deserved and widely anticipated.
