KIA: Volume down in Q3, September, though electrified vehicle sales are bright spot

Kia America posted third-quarter sales of 197,710, a decrease of 6 percent compared with the previous year. This is Kia's third quarter in a row of sales declines.

In September, Kia sales fell 12 percent to 58,913.

The automaker did not provide context around sliding sales in September or the quarter and did not confirm whether Hurricane Helene had an impact.

Despite the drop in sales, Kia said sales of its electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles were up 43 percent and 11 percent in September. It also said crossovers accounted for 74 percent of September's total, and electrified models — EV, hybrids and PHEVs — made up 17 percent.

Kia's new three-row EV9 achieved third-quarter sales of 6,299, but it was not quite enough to offset bigger losses across its crossover lineup.

Kia America sales chief Eric Watson said in a statement that sales of the brand's electrified offerings continue to grow despite "the industry-wide softening in growth for all-electric models."

"Double digit sales gains for Kia's EV and PHEV models prove Kia's leadership position as the industry transitions to electrification," Watson said.

The redesigned Carnival minivan, which offers a hybrid powertrain, and K4 compact sedan will arrive in the fourth quarter and help "carry us through the remainder of the year," he said.

Notable nameplates: Kia EV6, down 22% in Q3; Niro, down 28%; Telluride, down 2.2%; Sorento, down 9.3%; Sportage, up 9%; Seltos, up 5.2%; Carnival, down 11%

Did you know?: Kia will provide North America Charging Standard adapters to buyers who purchase a 2024 or 2025 Kia EV9 or 2024 EV6 after Sept. 4th. The adapters will be delivered in early 2025 and will allow access to additional 16,500 DC fast-charging points in the Tesla network starting Jan. 15.