Kia, the renowned Korean automotive manufacturer, has reached a significant milestone in Ireland by achieving 10,000 annual sales for the first time. This accomplishment highlights Kia’s growing popularity and strong performance within the Irish automotive sector. Since its introduction to the Irish market, Kia has steadily built a reputation for delivering pioneering innovation and award winning design.
“Reaching 10,000 annual vehicle sales is a testament to Kia’s strategic efforts and customer-focused approach.” Said Ronan Flood, Managing Director of Kia Ireland. “This achievement is thanks to our fantastic dealer network who work tirelessly at a local level to enable the best possible customer satisfaction which ensures repeat custom to allow for such an achievement.”
Launched in South Korea in1944, Kia began selling cars in Europe during the 1990’s with first vehicles arriving in Ireland in 2001. Kia Ireland launched as a subsidiary of their European Headquarters in 2004 and have shown significant annual growth ever since. The earliest available sales data from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) comes from the year 2007 where Kia registered 3,845 vehicles and finished 15th in the manufacturers sales table with 2% market share. In that year, 51% of sales came from petrol vehicles and 49% diesel, with hatchback sales being the most popular body type. So far in 2025, Kia have achieved over 10,000 sales thanks to 9,802 passenger car sales and 201 car-derived van sales. Today, Kia sits in 5th position and possesses an 8% market share with a much more diverse sales mix that includes 29% Full Electric (BEV) sales, 19% Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), 19% Diesel, 17% Hybrid and 16% Petrol with SUVs being the most popular body type accounting for over 60% of sales year to date.
The 10,000th vehicle registered was a Kia EV4 purchased by Rockwell Engineering at Sleator Kia in Mullingar, Co. Westmeath. Rockwell Engineering are an Irish mechanical contracting firm who purchased two EV4’s from Sleator Kia to add to their growing electric vehicle fleet. Building on this success, Kia is well-positioned to further increase its market share in Ireland. The continued rollout of new models, especially in the electric and hybrid segments, is expected to attract new buyers. In addition, Kia will make an announcement regarding the appointment of new dealerships in the coming weeks which is expected to increase brand coverage throughout the country also.
Ronan concluded “This milestone not only celebrates past success but also signals a bright future for Kia in Ireland, with opportunities for continued growth as we move into the light commercial van business next year also. With some of the best offers in the market for 261, I would strongly encourage anyone in the market for a new vehicle to visit their local Kia dealership and see what we have to offer for 2026”
For more information see Kia.com.
