Kia’s Global Sales Up 1.7% in May, India Market Shines with Over 14% Growth on SUV Demand

Kia is steering ahead globally, thanks to robust SUV sales. The South Korean automaker reported a 1.7% increase in global sales for May 2025, delivering 269,148 vehicles compared to 264,699 units during the same period last year.

While domestic sales in South Korea dipped by 2.4%, totaling 45,003 units, overseas markets picked up the slack, climbing 2.6% to 223,817 units, according to a company statement released on Monday.

From January to May 2025, Kia sold 1.31 million vehicles globally, marking a 2.3% rise year-on-year. Overseas sales led this growth with a 2.9% jump to 1.08 million units, while domestic sales saw a marginal dip of 0.4%.

The Sportage compact SUV continued to be Kia’s top performer globally in May, with 48,091 units sold, followed by the Seltos subcompact SUV, clocking 21,889 units.

Kia India Accelerates Ahead

In India, Kia is on a winning streak. Kia India recorded 22,315 vehicle dispatches in May, registering a 14.43% year-on-year growth, up from 19,500 units in May 2024. This marks the fifth straight month of positive sales momentum in the domestic market.

Hardeep Singh Brar, Senior VP and National Head of Sales & Marketing at Kia India, said the May performance reflects "the growing resonance of Kia’s diverse offerings across segments."

He added, "This momentum validates our ongoing efforts to expand and strengthen our product portfolio in line with evolving customer needs.”

Kia India also crossed a major milestone with nearly 1.5 million vehicles dispatched from its Anantapur manufacturing facility. This includes over 1.2 million units sold domestically and 367,000+ vehicles exported to global markets.

With over 450,000 connected cars now on Indian roads, Kia continues to be a frontrunner in smart mobility and connected technology in the country.