KIA: A Q3 sales milestone

Kia America posted record third-quarter results of 210,341 vehicles, an increase of 14 percent compared with the year-ago quarter thanks to strong demand for its crossovers and electrified offerings.

It was the second quarter in a row the automaker exceeded 200,000 sales.

In September, Kia sold 67,264 vehicles, breaking itsfour-month streak of sales over 70,000 but still posting its 14th consecutive month of gains. Compared with the same month last year, sales increased 20 percent.

"We are growing in the segments that customers want," Eric Watson, Kia America's sales chief, told Automotive News.

"Our SUV sales now make up 72 percent of our total business and are our highest yearly performers. Sales of our electrified vehicles — our hybrids, plug-in hybrids and EVs — are up over 50 percent year over year," Watson said.

Watson noted that Kia EVs are finally "back on track and exceeding year-over-year results" now that the company has adjusted its strategies to make up for the loss of the federal $7,500 EV tax incentive. Kia is passing down the tax credit to consumers who choose to lease.

"We are seeing about 50 percent of all of our battery-electric vehicle sales happen through leasing, which is up significantly from a 5-10 percent range a year ago." Watson said.

Kia is still having good success with Telluride and Sportage, Watson said, and Carnival has come back from being one of the most impacted vehicles during post-pandemic production issues.

Looking ahead to the fourth quarter, Watson said Kia has solid momentum.

"We have a strong production plan and our inventories will continue to build, allowing us to grow our year-over-year sales results," he said.

Notable nameplates:

Kia EV6, up 45% in September, up30% in Q3

Niro, up 1,341% in September, up 834% in Q3

Telluride, up 8.4% in September, up 13% in Q3

Sportage, down 6.8% in September, down 4.5% in Q3

Sorento, up 10% in September, down 2.9% in Q3

Seltos, up 18% in September, up18% in Q3

Carnival/Sedona, up 187% in September, up 164% in Q3

Forte, up 28% in September, up 9.3% in Q3

Fleet mix: Fleet sales accounted for 6.8% of Kia's September sales, according to the company.

Inventory: Kia started September with 15-20 days' supply and is starting October in the same range.

Quote: "The UAW strike has not had a lot of impact yet. All three of the [Detroit] companies had a pretty robust pipeline of product, but if it's prolonged it may disrupt the industry in the fourth quarter." –Eric Watson, Kia America, vice president of sales operations

Did you know? Kia's three-row EV9 electric crossover will offer consumers a $54,900 entry price, before destination. More information on the cost of the rest of the lineup will be announced in the coming weeks.