In 2021, global Kia sales increased by 6.5% to 2,775,056 cars — Kia forecasts 3.15 million vehicle sales worldwide in 2022. The Sportage was the top-selling Kia model.
In full calendar year 2021, Kia Motors Corporation reported global sales of 2,777,056 vehicles, an increase of 6.5% from 2020 and around 4,000 cars more than in 2019. Worldwide sales increased by 9% while sales in Korea were 3% lower. Kia forecasts sales of just over 3 million cars in 2022.
Kia Global Car Sales and Top Models in 2021
Kia car sales worldwide and in Korea were as follows in 2021:
| Region | 2021 | 2020 | % Change |
| Korea sales | 535,016 | 552,400 | -3.1% |
| Overseas sales | 2,242,040 | 2,054,432 | 9.1% |
| Global sales | 2,777,056 | 2,606,832 | 6.5% |
| 2020 | 2019 | Change | |
| Korea Sales | 552,400 | 520,205 | 6.20% |
| Overseas Sales | 2,054,937 | 2,251,871 | -8.70% |
| Global Sales | 2,607,337 | 2,772,076 | -5.90% |
Kia’s 2021 sales in global markets outside of Korea saw a 9.1 percent increase from 2020 to 2,242,040 units. Sales in Korea totaled 535,016 units. – 3.1% lower than in 2020. Total global sales were almost 4,000 cars more than in 2019.
By model, the Sportage SUV topped the 2021 global sales ranking with 363,630 units, followed by the Seltos SUV with 298,737 units and the Forte sedan (known as the K3 in Korea) with 240,627 units.
Kia achieved growth in total sales last year, thanks to its effective supply chain management strategies and the successful launch of new models, including the Kia EV6.
Kia Global Car Sales Forecast for 2022
Kia set the following sales target for global and Korean car sales in 2022:
| 2022 Target | 2021 Result | YoY | |
| Korea Sales | 562,000 | 535,016 | 5.0% |
| Overseas Sales | 2,588,000 | 2,242,040 | 15.4% |
| Global Sales | 3,150,000 | 2,777,056 | 13.4% |
In 2022, Kia is targeting global sales of 3.15 million units. By region, Kia expects to sell 562,000 units in Korea and 2.59 million vehicles in markets outside of Korea.
Kia plans to maintain its sales momentum in 2022 by minimizing the impact of supply chain disruptions with optimized production plans while securing leadership in the global electric vehicle market with its unique electrified mobility lineup. This year, Kia will introduce several highly anticipated models, such as the Kia EV6 GT and the all-new Niro, reflecting the company’s commitment to become a sustainable mobility solutions provider.
Global Worldwide Car Sales by Brand in 2021 (Full Year)
Global worldwide sales by brand in 2021:
- Audi
- Bentley
- BMW
- Bugatti
- Caterham
- Cupra
- Daihatsu (see Toyota)
- Ferrari
- Gordon Murray Automotive
- Honda
- Hyundai
- Kia
- Lamborghini
- Lexus (see Toyota)
- Lotus
- Mazda
- Mercedes-Benz
- Mini
- Nissan
- Porsche
- Rolls-Royce
- Seat
- Skoda
- Smart
- Tesla
- Toyota (including Lexus)
- Volkswagen (VW Brand)
- Volkswagen Group
- Volkswagen Group (Battery-Electric Cars)
- Volvo
“Sales” as reported by the various brands generally refer to deliveries and not necessarily sales to the customer or 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.
