- According to ACEA*, Kia is the fastest-growing passenger car brand among Europe’s top ten year to date, with volumes up 9.0% and market share reaching 4.1%.
- In August, Kia registrations totalled 36,392 units, representing a 15.5% year-on-year increase, well above the 5.3% growth recorded by the EU + EFTA + UK market.
- Kia’s BEV registrations grew by 58% year on year, giving the brand an approximately 4.8% share of the European BEV market and placing it seventh overall in the segment.
- Kia’s performance is underpinned by its expanding electric vehicle line-up, including the EV4 and EV2, both manufactured at the brand’s European plant in Žilina.
- The Sportage HEV leads strong growth in hybrids, supported by an expanding HEV offering that includes the all-new Seltos, the Niro and the K4.
Madrid, 26 October 2026. Kia recorded 377,078 passenger car registrations in Europe between January and August 2026, an increase of 9.0% compared with the same period a year earlier, according to the latest registration data published by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA)*. This makes Kia the fastest-growing brand among the top ten in the European passenger car market. Its market share rose from 4.0% in the same period of 2025 to 4.1%, placing the brand ninth overall.
In August, Kia registrations reached 36,392 units, up 15.5% compared with August 2025 (31,512 units). Kia therefore significantly outperformed the overall EU + EFTA + UK passenger car market, which grew by 5.3% year on year that month. Kia’s monthly market share increased to 4.4%, compared with 4.0% in August 2025.
During the first eight months of 2026, total passenger car registrations across the EU + EFTA + UK increased by 5.8% to 9,192,528 units. Kia therefore outpaced the market both year to date and in August.
“Kia’s exceptional performance year to date demonstrates the growing strength of our brand, our dealer network and our vehicle line-up across Europe,” said Sjoerd Knipping, Chief Operating Officer of Kia Europe. “With one of the broadest and most advanced electrified line-ups on the continent, Kia places a strong emphasis on real-world efficiency, customer convenience, forward-thinking design and everyday usability. Our market performance shows that an increasing number of European customers are choosing Kia.”
Strong performance across European markets
Kia continued to strengthen its position in key European markets. In the Netherlands, it retained first place, with a market share of 9.8%. In the United Kingdom, it ranked second among passenger car brands, with a 5.5% share. Kia also achieved market shares well above its European average in Sweden (8.3%), Ireland (7.5%) and Slovakia (7.4%).**
Kia’s electric vehicle registrations rise 58% year on year
Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) continued to play a central role in Kia’s expansion across Europe. Kia’s BEV registrations increased by 58% year on year, giving the brand an approximately 4.8% share of the European BEV market and placing it seventh overall. Kia’s BEV registrations grew significantly in key markets, including France (+120%), Germany (+112%), the United Kingdom (+66%), Spain (+60%) and Italy (+41%).**
Growth driven by the strength of Kia’s electric and hybrid line-up
Kia’s strong BEV performance was supported by the continued expansion of its EV range and the gradual ramp-up of production of its latest launches, including the EV4 and EV2, both manufactured at its European plant. The EV3 remains one of the key contributors to Kia’s all-electric performance. Meanwhile, the brand’s latest launches continue to broaden its presence across major European segments. Its electric line-up now includes the EV2, EV3, EV4, EV5, EV6, EV9 and PV5.**
Strong growth in hybrids, led by the Sportage HEV, is also contributing to Kia’s overall performance. The brand’s hybrid line-up will soon be further expanded with the all-new Seltos HEV, the Niro HEV and the K4 HEV.
Kia continues to advance its electrification strategy in Europe, offering customers an increasingly broad range of innovative, appealing and accessible electrified vehicles.
