Seoul: Kia Corp., South Korea's second-largest automaker, achieved record sales in India during the first half of the year, data revealed Sunday. This success comes as the company experiences challenges in the U.S. market, where sales have been affected by tariffs on imported vehicles and auto parts.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kia sold 142,139 vehicles in India from January to June, marking a 4.4 percent increase from the previous record of 136,108 units sold in the same period in 2023. Since entering the Indian market in 2019, Kia has seen a steady increase in sales, with figures rising from 140,505 in 2020 to 181,583 in 2021, and further escalating to 254,556 in 2022. In 2023, sales slightly surpassed the previous year with around 255,000 units sold. Although there was a minor dip to about 245,000 units in 2024, the strong sales trend in the first half of this year suggests a potential rebound to a new annual high.
The record-breaking performance in the first half of the year is partly credited to the success of the Syros compact sport utility vehicle (SUV), which has sold 24,371 units in India since its launch in February. The Syros SUV has received a five-star rating in India's safety evaluation program, boosting its appeal among consumers.
To solidify its standing in the Indian market, Kia is enhancing its local production capabilities, a move that aligns with its strategy to address the growing demand and secure a stronger market position.