2021 (Full Year) Global: Kia Sales Worldwide and 2022 Forecast

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 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.
© Kia America

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:

Region20212020% Change
Korea sales535,016552,400-3.1%
Overseas sales2,242,0402,054,4329.1%
Global sales2,777,0562,606,8326.5%
2020 2019 Change
Korea Sales552,400520,2056.20%
Overseas Sales2,054,9372,251,871-8.70%
Global Sales2,607,3372,772,076-5.90%

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 Target2021 ResultYoY
Korea Sales562,000535,0165.0%
Overseas Sales2,588,0002,242,04015.4%
Global Sales3,150,0002,777,05613.4%

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:

“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.  

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.