Kia becomes fastest-growing major automotive brand in Europe

Kia has emerged as the fastest-growing brand among the top ten automotive manufacturers in Europe. According to data from the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA), Kia recorded 377,078 passenger car registrations between January and August 2026, representing a 9.0% increase compared to the previous year.

Kia's European market share rose to 4.1%, up from 4.0% during the same period in 2025, securing the ninth position in the market. In August 2026 alone, the brand saw 36,392 registrations, a 15.5% year-on-year increase, significantly outperforming the overall EU, EFTA, and UK market growth of 5.3%.

The company reported particularly strong performance in specific markets, maintaining a 9.8% market share in the Netherlands and a 5.5% share in the United Kingdom. Additionally, Kia saw high market shares in Sweden (8.3%), Ireland (7.5%), and Slovakia (7.4%). Registrations for Kia's battery electric vehicles (BEVs) increased by 58% year-on-year.