Kia press release, 1 September 2026 — republished for Carboratory readers.
Kia announces global sales results for August 2026
Global sales in August 2026 totalled 266,675 units, up 5% on the previous year.
Sales outside South Korea rose to 225,413 units, up 7.4% on the previous year.
Sales in South Korea reached 40,213 units, down 7.6% on the previous year.
Kia’s Sportage, Seltos and Sorento SUVs are driving global sales.
(SEOUL) 1 September 2026 — Kia Corporation today announced total global sales of 266,675 units in August 2026, a 5% increase on the previous year.
Kia’s August sales performance was driven by strong demand for the Sportage, Seltos and Sorento SUVs. Sportage recorded global sales of 46,239 units, while Seltos recorded 35,698 units. Sorento contributed a further 18,404 units.
Sales of special purpose vehicles totalled 1,049 units in August, up 93.9% on the previous year.
Sales outside South Korea
Outside South Korea, Kia recorded sales of 225,413 units in August, up 7.4% on the previous year.
The Sportage SUV led Kia’s international performance, with 42,365 units sold. The Seltos SUV followed with 32,391 units, and the K4 saloon with 17,519 units.
Sales in South Korea
In South Korea, Kia sold 40,213 units in August, down 7.6% on the same period last year.
The decline was attributed mainly to fewer working days because of the summer holiday period.
The Sorento SUV led the company’s sales in South Korea, recording 6,397 units. It was followed by the Carnival MPV with 4,186 units and the Sportage SUV with 3,874 units.
Kia says it remains committed to accelerating this upward trajectory through electrification strategies specific to each region, including HEV vehicles in the United States and electric vehicles in Europe, while making use of its product portfolio and powertrain technologies.
Kia global sales – August 2026
| Subject | August -26 | August -25 | YoY change | July -26 | MoM change | 2026 YTD (August) | 2025 YTD (August) | YTD change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Korea sales | 40,213 | 43,501 | -7.6% | 54,604 | -26.4% | 390,596 | 364,941 | 7.0% |
| Overseas sales | 225,413 | 209,901 | 7.4% | 242,587 | -7.1% | 1,800,865 | 1,736,205 | 3.7% |
| SPV sales | 1,049 | 541 | 93.9% | 877 | 19.6% | 4,662 | 3,140 | 48.5% |
| Total sales | 266,675 | 253,943 | 5.0% | 298,068 | -10.5% | 2,196,123 | 2,104,286 | 4.4% |
Note:
- Sales results are based on wholesale sales unless otherwise specified
- The monthly sales figures provided in this release are unaudited and preliminary. The data may be updated later
- With the change in business results classification in 2023, special purpose vehicle sales are recorded separately
- Special purpose vehicles (SPV) include various specialised vehicles. Sales figures take into account sales in South Korea and overseas markets
- END -
About Kia Romauto
Kia Romauto (www.kia.ro) is the official distributor of vehicles produced by Kia Corporation in Romania, since 2004. Its activity is concentrated on selling, through the national dealer network, Kia passenger cars, original parts and accessories. The company distributes in Romania, directly and through the dealer network, the full Kia passenger-car range.
About Kia Corporation
Kia (www.kia.com) is a global mobility brand with the stated aim of creating sustainable mobility solutions for consumers, communities and societies around the world. Founded in 1944, Kia has offered mobility solutions for more than 75 years. With 52,000 employees worldwide, a presence in more than 190 markets and production facilities in six countries, the company currently sells about three million cars a year. Kia says it is at the forefront of popularising electrified and battery-electric cars and is developing a growing range of mobility services. The company’s brand slogan — ‘Movement that inspires’ — reflects Kia’s stated commitment to inspire consumers through its products and services.
For more information about Kia Corporation and its products, the company directs readers to its global media centre at www.kianewscenter.com.
About Kia Europe
Kia Europe is the sales, marketing and service division of Kia Corporation. Headquartered in Frankfurt, Germany, it covers 39 commercial markets in Europe and the Caucasus.
