2020 (Full Year) Global: Kia Sales Worldwide

In 2020, global Kia sales decreased by 6% to 2.61 million cars — Kia predicts 2.92 million vehicle sales worldwide in 2021. The Sportage was the top-selling Kia model.

In 2020, global Kia sales decreased by 6% to 2.61 million cars -- Kia predicts 2.92 million vehicle sales worldwide in 2021.
© Kia Motors

In full calendar year 2020, Kia Motors Corporation reported global sales of 2.61 million units, down 5.9 percent from 2019, amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and difficult circumstances in global markets. 

Kia Global Car Sales and Top Models in 2021

Kia car sales worldwide and in Korea were as follows in 2020:

2020 2019 Change
Korea Sales552,400520,2056.20%
Overseas Sales2,054,9372,251,871-8.70%
Global Sales2,607,3372,772,076-5.90%

Sales in Korea increased by 6.2 percent to 552,400 units, while sales outside of Korea retreated 8.7 percent to 2.05 million units. 

The Sportage SUV topped Kia’s global sales ranking with 366,929 units sold, followed by the Seltos SUV with 328,128 units and the K3 sedan with 237,688 units.

In full-year 2020, Kia Motors America sold 586,105 vehicles in the U.S.A. compared to 615,338 in 2019. Light trucks – Soul, Seltos, Sportage, Sorento, Telluride, and Sedona – accounted for 62-percent of the annual volume (up from 58-percent in 2019).

Kia Global Car Sales Forecast for 2021

Kia set the following sales target for global and Korean car sales in 2021:

2021 Plan2020 ResultYoY
Korea Sales535,000552,400-3.10%
Overseas Sales2,387,0002,054,93716.20%
Global Sales2,922,0002,607,33712.10%

Kia, which is preparing a brand transformation in 2021, based on its Plan S business strategy, is targeting global sales of 2.92 million units this year. The number includes 535,000 units in Korea and 2.39 million units from overseas markets. Kia also seeks to bolster profitability with flexible operations tailored to each region. 

Global Worldwide Car Sales by Brand in 2020 (Full Year)

→→ Latest global sales by brands

Global worldwide car sales by brand in 2020 (Full Year):

“Sales” as reported by brands generally refer to deliveries and not necessarily sales to the customer and final registration. Terms and definitions may vary.

About Kia Motors Corporation 

Kia Motors is a maker of world-class quality vehicles for the young-at-heart. Founded in 1944, Kia today sells around 3 million vehicles a year in over 190 countries, with 52,000 employees worldwide, annual revenues of over KRW 58 trillion (about US$50 billion) and manufacturing facilities in six countries. Kia is spearheading the transition to electric vehicles and pursuing mobility services to help tackle urban challenges around the world. The company’s brand slogan – “The Power to Surprise” – represents Kia’s global commitment to surprise the world with exciting, inspiring experiences that go beyond expectations.  

About the author:

Henk Bekker

Henk Bekker is a freelance writer with over 20 years of experience in online writing. His best-selling cars website has been reporting car sales statistics since 2008 with classic car auction prices focusing on the most expensive automobiles sold at public auctions in the past decade. He also owns the travel websites European-Traveler.com and Lake Geneva Switzerland. Henk holds an MBA from Edinburgh Business School and an MSc in Finance from the University of London.