Kia UK has scooped the Manufacturer of the Year trophy for the second year running having hit its long-held 100,000 registrations target in 2022.

The Korean brand drove its volumes up 10.3%, to 100,191 units, last year and expects to build on the strong performance with a further 5% uplift in 2023.

Consistent leadership and stable franchised relationships have been central to Kia’s “progressive and sustainable” growth in the UK, along with a raft of exciting model launches.

Last year brought the first full year of sales for the zero-emissions EV6 and the launch of new Sportage SUV and the Niro alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) range to Kia showrooms.

Retailers embarking on a new corporate identity (CI) update achieved an average return on sales of 2.4% and are set to benefit from greater throughput and higher margin sales in the coming years, according to Kia UK president and chief executive Paul Philpott.

Kia toppled premium Japanese brand Lexus’ seven-survey stint at the top of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) Dealer Attitude Survey Winter 2022/2023.

It scored 9.3-outof-10 in the bi-annual survey’s crucial ‘how would you rate your manufacturer overall?’ question.

The brand also amplified the voice of its customers and ramped-up online interactions as part of a focus on brand reputation that delivered a 14-fold increase in engagement for its retailers.

Globally, Kia will introduce 14 EV models by 2027 as part of its ‘Plan S’ strategy. Nine of these models will make their way to the UK market.

The next model to launch will be the seven-seat EV9 luxury SUV.

 

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