Kia sales volume increased by 20% through 2022, helped by the popular Sportage. On the way at the end of 2023 is the marque’s first 7-seat EV, says Ronan Flood, Managing Director, Kia Ireland
WHAT IS YOUR EXPECTATION FOR CAR BUYER SENTIMENT IN 2023?
The Irish economy has bounced back strongly since the Covid pandemic, but increased interest rates, high inflation and soaring energy costs are having an impact on consumer confidence. Buyers are seeking out value, and our low-rate finance offers are proving increasingly popular. The fuel efficiency of our vehicles along with the energy savings from going electric are often referenced by our customers as motivating factors for purchasing at this time.
HOW IS YOUR SUPPLY LINE OF NEW VEHICLES?
Like all manufacturers, we are experiencing supply chain issues as a result of ongoing macro-economic factors. Despite these constraints, we are facing into 2023 in a very strong position.
We achieved our highest ever sales performance in 2022 which will see us finish the year as fourth best-selling car brand in Ireland, our highest ever position. Our sales volume has grown 20% on 2021, and based on the high number of orders we have secured so far for January, I expect further growth again in 2023. Demand still outweighs supply, and availability varies by model, but in overall volume terms the outlook is strong.
In Association with
HOW IS KIA POSITIONED IN THE HYBRID AND EV SEGMENTS?
Over 20% of our sales currently come from full Electric Vehicles with an additional 15% coming from Plug-In Hybrid EVs while Mild Hybrid EVs account for a further 12% of sales. This is testament to our fantastic range of electric vehicles, including the Ceed PHEV, Niro EV and PHEV, Sportage PHEV, Sorento PHEV and EV6. Kia plan to have seven fully electric and 14 electrified models in our range by 2026.
The stylish EV6 is the current European Car of the Year. Thanks to its 77.4 kWh long-range battery pack, the EV6 delivers a 528km driving range, and it can be charged from 10-80% in just 18 minutes. Long range and fast charging removes range anxiety issues.
WHAT WAS KIA’S MOST POPULAR MODEL IN 2022?
The Sportage is our most popular model and is the third best-selling car in the country. SUVs account for roughly half of all car sales in Ireland, so having such a great product in such a pivotal segment is important for us. The Sportage was named Medium SUV of the Year at the AA Car of the Year Awards for 2023 and it was also named best Medium SUV at the Irish Car of the Year Awards.
WHICH EXECUTIVE MODEL DO YOU RECOMMEND?
It is hard to see past the Kia Sorento as an executive choice. The Sorento is powerful, spacious, and beautifully designed for up to seven people. It’s available as a 2.2 litre 199hp diesel version or as a PHEV, powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine combined with a 13.8 kWh battery for a combined output of 261hp.
WHAT NEW MODELS ARE ON THE WAY FROM KIA IN 2023?
In October we will see a facelift to our entry level Picanto model. The Sorento will also receive some product enhancements around the same time. The big launch for 2023 will be our EV9, which will be our first 7-seat EV, likely to arrive in Ireland next November. The EV9 will be a large SUV, measuring over five5 metres in length and will be the new flagship model for the Kia brand.
Photos: Conor McCabe
