Kia’s Niro shows outstanding performance in global sales

Kia’s Niro shows outstanding performance in global sales. December. 19, 2017 08:32. by Dong-Il Seo dong@donga.com.

Kia Motors’ Niro, a small, eco-friendly sport utility vehicle (SUV), has been gaining popularity this year with more than 100,000 units sold globally. The Niro is the first green car model developed by a Korean carmaker that exceeds the 100,000 mark for the annual accumulated sales.

According to the industry sources, over 104,000 units of Niro have been sold from January to November this year (based on shipment), out of which 20,800 units have been sold in Korea and the remaining 83,000 sold overseas. The model is being particularly well received in North America, where as many as 25,000 units have been sold this year alone. On the strength of its eco-friendly crossover, Kia accounts for 7.5 percent of the hybrid market in North America, taking up the fourth place following Toyota and Ford.

“Since its launch in March last year, Niro has enjoyed continuous popularity both at home and abroad especially in the United States and Europe, achieving a sales record as an eco-friendly model made in Korea,” said an official from the industry.

The Kia Niro has two models: Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV). Launched in May last year, the Niro PHEV is the first plug-in hybrid SUV model released in the country with increased battery capacity and maximized economy, being capable of full electric operation over as long as 840 kilometers when fully charged. “What I like most about the Niro is its high fuel efficiency. It boasts the fuel efficiency of 19.5 kilometers per liter, one of the best among SUVs here in Korea,” said a Niro owner surnamed Park, who bought the Niro HEV this November.

Kia Motors reportedly plans to launch the Niro EV model next year and continuously strengthen its lineup of green cars by introducing 14 new eco-friendly models by 2020.