KIA AMERICA ACHIEVES HIGHEST MARCH AND FIRST QUARTER SALES IN COMPANY HISTORY

Rhea-AI Summary

Kia America achieved record-breaking sales in March 2025 with 78,540 units, a 13.1% year-over-year increase, leading to its best first quarter performance ever. Q1 sales reached 198,850 units, up 10.7% from Q1 2024. Retail transactions grew 25% year-over-year.

Several models set monthly sales records, including the Carnival MPV (+53%), Telluride (+17%), and Sportage (+11%). The new K4 compact sedan showed consistent growth with a 10% increase compared to last year.

The company announced the opening of its Metaplant America facility in Georgia, representing a $7.59 billion investment and creating 8,500 jobs. Additionally, the 2025 Telluride and EV9 received IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ designations, and Wallbox (NYSE: WBX) announced preorder availability for the Quasar 2 bidirectional charger compatible with the EV9.

Positive

• Record-breaking March sales of 78,540 units (+13.1% YoY)
• Best Q1 performance with 198,850 units (+10.7% YoY)
• Retail transactions growth of 25% YoY
• Strong SUV sales growth: Carnival (+53%), Telluride (+17%), Sportage (+11%)
• $7.59B investment in new Metaplant America facility
• EV production commenced at West Point, Georgia facility

Negative

• EV9 sales declined from 1,281 to 1,164 units YoY in March
• EV6 sales dropped from 1,537 to 921 units YoY in March
• Soul sales decreased from 5,284 to 3,717 units YoY

Insights

Financial Analyst

Wallbox's integration with Kia's EV9 represents a strategic positioning in the growing bidirectional charging market. As the first compatible bidirectional charger for the Kia EV9, Wallbox's Quasar 2 gives the company an early-mover advantage in a potentially lucrative segment of the EV charging ecosystem.

The article indicates that Kia is making significant investments in EV production, including full-scale production of EV6 and EV9 at their Georgia factory and a $7.59 billion investment in the new Metaplant America facility. This commitment to EV manufacturing suggests a growing potential customer base for Wallbox's products.

However, investors should note the current modest sales volumes of the EV9 - just 1,164 units in March and 3,756 units year-to-date. These figures represent a slight decrease compared to 2024 (1,281 in March 2024 and 4,007 YTD). The sales volume indicates that while the partnership validates Wallbox's technology, the immediate revenue impact may be constrained.

The Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) capabilities offered through the Quasar 2 system create a value proposition that differentiates both companies. For Wallbox, securing this partnership with a major automotive manufacturer demonstrates product validation and could potentially lead to additional OEM relationships if successful.

Without disclosure of financial terms or exclusivity arrangements, it's difficult to quantify the exact revenue potential, but the first-mover position and technology validation should be viewed as positive developments for Wallbox in the evolving EV charging infrastructure market.

• Best-ever March total of 78,540 units increased 13.1-percent year-over-year and pushed Kia to a record-breaking first quarter 
• Carnival, Sportage, Telluride, K4 achieved highest monthly sales record to date 
• Sales of the all-new K4 compact sedan have increased every month since starting sales in August 2024 

IRVINE, Calif., April 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Kia America delivered 78,540 total units in March, extending its record-breaking sales streak to six months and propelling the fast-growing brand to the best first quarter performance in company history. Retail transactions at Kia dealerships grew 25-percent year-over-year showing a continuous growth trend. 

In Q1, Kia achieved total sales of 198,850 units, marking a 10.7-percent increase over Q1 2024 and setting a record for the highest first-quarter performance in its history. In particular, the all-new K4 compact sedan, which has shown consistent growth since its launch in August last year, contributed to Kia's record-breaking Q1 performance by achieving 10-percent increase in sales compared to the same period last year.  

Moreover, the key SUV models such as the Carnival MPV (+53-percent), Telluride (+17-percent) and Sportage (+11percent) and each delivered significant growth compared to same period last year, setting a new record for monthly sales performances. 

"Kia continues to deliver record sales on the strength of our product lineup and growing brand reputation, while also experiencing increased customer interest and showroom traffic. Sportage, Telluride, and Carnival achieved their highest monthly sales ever, contributing to the record breaking first quarter sales." said Eric Watson, vice president, sales operations, Kia America. "Moreover, EV6 and EV9 have commenced full-scale production at our factory in West Point, Georgia, where an improved product and supply chain is anticipated to further accelerate the growth of Kia's electric vehicle sales." 

In addition to the monthly sales performance, Kia America announced several initiatives, including:

• On March 26^th, Kia celebrated the grand opening of the Metaplant America facility in Georgia. This represents a $7.59 billion investment into new Kias destined for American families and will create more than 8,500 jobs on site once up to full capacity. The Metaplant is now the largest economic development deal in Georgia state history.
  
  
• The 2025 Kia Telluride and 2025 EV9 have both been awarded the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) TOP SAFETY PICK+ (TSP+) designation. The Telluride secured the IIHS's highest honor for the third consecutive year, even as the IIHS continues to raise the bar for safety requirements, while the all-electric EV9 earns an upgraded rating compared to last year.  
  
  
• News that eligible Kia EV9 owners and lessees may soon enjoy Vehicle to Home (V2H) capabilities thanks to Wallbox (NYSE: WBX), an innovative provider of electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions. Wallbox announced preorder availability of the Quasar 2 (including the accompanying Power Recovery Unit), the first compatible bidirectional charger to work with the Kia EV9.  Eligible EV9 owners and lessees are now able to pre-order the Quasar 2 and Power Recovery Unit on a first-come, first-served basis. 

	MONTH OF MARCH		MARCH YTD
Model	2025	2024	2025	2024
EV9	1,164	1281	3,756	4007
EV6	921	1,537	3,738	4,059
K4/Forte	13,719	13,417	37,004	33,623
K5	6,399	1,174	15,747	6,753
Soul	3,717	5,284	11,277	12,452
Niro	2,431	2,902	5,118	7,475
Seltos	4,828	6,017	11,375	14,783
Sportage	16,872	15,211	41,301	37,286
Sorento	10,547	8,799	25,117	22,244
Telluride	11,473	10,152	29,843	25,578
Carnival	6,469	3,451	14,574	9,538
Total	78,540	69,472	198,850	179,621

Kia America – about us

Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys. Kia is recognized as one of the TIME World's Most Sustainable Companies of 2024. Kia serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and WNBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicles sold through a network of nearly 800 dealers in the U.S., including several cars and SUVs proudly assembled in America*.

For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com. To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert 

* Select trims of the 2025 all-electric EV6 and EV9 all-electric three-row SUV, Sportage (excludes HEV and PHEV models), Sorento (excludes HEV and PHEV models), and Telluride are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts. 

 

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SOURCE Kia America

FAQ

What were Kia's Q1 2025 sales figures and growth rate?

Kia achieved total sales of 198,850 units in Q1 2025, marking a 10.7% increase over Q1 2024.

How much is Kia investing in the new Metaplant America facility?

Kia is investing $7.59 billion in the Metaplant America facility in Georgia, creating 8,500 jobs at full capacity.

Which Kia models showed the highest sales growth in March 2025?

The Carnival MPV (+53%), Telluride (+17%), and Sportage (+11%) showed the highest sales growth and set monthly sales records.

What is the significance of the Wallbox (WBX) partnership for Kia EV9 owners?

EV9 owners can preorder the Wallbox Quasar 2 bidirectional charger, enabling Vehicle to Home (V2H) capabilities for their vehicles.

How much did Kia's retail transactions grow in March 2025?

Kia's retail transactions at dealerships grew 25% year-over-year in March 2025.