By Jeong Hyun-jun, The Guru — Kia extended its momentum in the U.K. market last month, powered by strong Sportage sales. Hyundai Motor, by contrast, posted a near double-digit drop in volumes and slipped to the lower end of the brand top 10.
On March 10, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said U.K. new-car registrations in February rose 7.2% year-on-year to 90,100 units — the strongest February showing in 22 years.
Kia moved 4,497 units in the U.K. in February, a 5.6% increase from 4,257 a year earlier, giving it a 5.0% market share and seventh place among brands.
Through the end of February, Kia’s year-to-date sales stood at 14,480 units (6.2% share), keeping the brand in second place overall behind Volkswagen (19,643 units). Industry watchers say Kia has held a top-tier position despite fierce competition among global automakers.
Kia’s performance was driven by its core model, the Sportage, which sold 2,205 units last month — making it the second best-selling model in the U.K.
Hyundai sold 3,742 units in February, a 4.2% market share that put the brand in 10th place. That represented a 9.0% decline from 4,111 units a year earlier and a four-place drop in the rankings. Year-to-date sales fell 8.5% to 9,554 units. Hyundai’s Tucson accounted for 1,222 of February’s sales and ranked 10th among best-sellers. The month’s top model was the Ford Puma, with 3,220 units.
Hyundai plans to counter the slump by aggressively rolling out new models. Hyundai Motor Europe said last month it will introduce five new models over the next 18 months, strengthening its line-up around three B-segment small cars that appeal to European buyers. The compact electric SUV Ioniq 3, set to make its global debut at Milan Design Week in April, is a focal point of that plan.
Hyundai aims to assemble a seven-model EV portfolio — from the Instar (sold in Korea as the Casper Electric) to the Staria Electric — to reclaim leadership in electrification across the European market.
An industry source noted that the U.K. market’s biggest boom in 22 years has intensified brand competition. Kia is extending its growth on the strength of SUVs, while Hyundai appears to be positioning itself for a rebound by expanding its small EV lineup.
Volkswagen topped U.K. sales in February with 7,104 units and a 7.9% share. It was followed by Ford (6,056), BMW (4,623), Mercedes-Benz (4,538) and Audi (4,522) in the top five.
