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News18
4 days ago
- Automotive
- News18
Kia India Reports 14.43 Percent YoY Growth, Sold 22,315 Vehicles In May 2025
Last Updated: Kia India said the company has seen a year-on-year (Y-o-Y) growth of 14.43%, which is higher than to same period last year News18 The leading player in the four-wheel segment, Kia, has been dominating multiple segment for years. The company has received an overwhelming response for its product range as well from Indian customers. Now, it has revealed a monthly sales report for May 2025, where it has reported strong growth momentum for the fifth consecutive month by dispatching 22,315 vehicles in the domestic market. Positive Growth According to the details shared via official release, Kia India said the company has seen a year-on-year (Y-o-Y) growth of 14.43%, which is higher than to same period last year. It has been informed that the brand continues to dominate the SUV and mid-sized SUV segment effortlessly, and a big credit goes to its hot-selling products, Seltos and Sonet Response For Kia Clavis Apart from this, the company in its official release said the newly launched Carens Clavis also become the talk of the town. The model managed to get an overwhelming response from customers, reaffirming Kia's ability to meet evolving consumer expectations and deliver aspirational, value-driven products. Here's What Top Official Says Speaking about the welcoming response for the model, the top official of Kia India, Hardeep Singh Brar, said, 'The tremendous response to the Carens Clavis underscores the deep trust Indian families place in the Kia brand. With Clavis, we are looking forward to setting new benchmarks in the segment and making it more dynamic than ever before". In addition, he said, 'Our strong sales performance in May reflects the growing resonance of Kia's diverse offerings across segments. This momentum validates our ongoing efforts to expand and strengthen our product portfolio in line with evolving customer needs. As we continue to broaden our lineup, we remain dedicated to delivering future-ready mobility solutions that inspire confidence and delight our customers". . First Published: June 01, 2025, 16:57 IST
India Today
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- India Today
New Kia Seltos spied testing in India. Check what is new
The Seltos has been Kia India's volume driver ever since its market entry in 2019. While the popular SUV received a mid-life update in 2023, the company seems to be testing the next-generation version, which has now been importance of Seltos in Kia's operations in India can be gauged by the fact that it has contributed nearly 47% to the company's volumes since the sales started in from the Seltos, Kia offers models like the Sonet, Syros, Carens, Carens Clavis, Carnival, EV6 and EV9. The spied images, courtesy Instagram user nitrorush_01, showcases the updated front fascia of the new Kia Seltos. The SUV's design will be based on the 'Opposites United' philosophy of the distinctive aspect is the vertically positioned LED DRL next to the newly designed LED headlamp. The grille has been redesigned as well. We expect the new model to come with changes at the rear as well with a new design for the LED the Seltos is already a feature-loaded SUV, we expect the new model to raise the bar again, like it did six years ago when it first entered the market. advertisement At present, the Seltos has three engine options -- Smartstream 1.5-litre Turbo-GDi petrol (160PS/253Nm), Smartstream 1.5-litre NA petrol (115PS/144Nm) and Smartstream 1.5-litre CRDi VGT diesel (116PS/250Nm). The turbo petrol unit gets 6-speed iMT and 7-speed DCT, the NA petrol unit 6-speed MT and IVT, and the diesel unit 6-speed MT and 6-speed AT. Kia might diversify the powertrain options in the new expect the new Kia Seltos launch in India to take place in 2026. While the SUV is currently priced between Rs 11,18,900 and Rs 20,55,900 (ex-showroom), the new model will come at a new Kia Seltos will continue to rival the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Tata Curvv and Honda Elevate, among to Auto Today Magazine
Korea Herald
18-05-2025
- Automotive
- Korea Herald
Hyundai Motor Group captures more South African market share
Hyundai Motor Group recorded a 37 percent year-on-year increase in passenger car sales in South Africa last month, strengthening its foothold in one of Africa's largest automotive markets. The Korean mobility giant, comprising Hyundai Motor Company and Kia, sold a combined total of 4,266 vehicles in April, according to a National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa report issued earlier this month. Hyundai Motor Company accounted for 2,989 units, up 41 percent from a year earlier, and its smaller affiliate Kia marked a 24 percent increase with 1,277 units sold. Thanks to this robust growth, Hyundai Motor Company became the fourth-largest automaker by sales volume in South Africa, overtaking Ford and trailing behind Toyota, Suzuki and Volkswagen. Hyundai Motor Group also maintained its fourth-place ranking among global automotive groups in South Africa for both April 2024 and April 2025. The April sales boost pushed the group's year-to-date sales up by 27 percent, outpacing the overall market growth of 16.9 percent during the same period. According to automotive data tracker Marklines, the group's success in South Africa is largely driven by a renewed appreciation for its strategic models tailored to local conditions. Hyundai Motor's compact hatchback i10 has played a pivotal role, with 1,425 sold in April alone — a 73 percent increase on-year. Produced primarily at Hyundai's Indian manufacturing facilities, the car's compact size — 3,765 millimeters in length and 1,660 mm in width — offers agile maneuverability in narrow urban environments. Last year, the i10 accounted for 14,410 of the 45,556 vehicles Hyundai Motor Group sold in South Africa, ranking fifth among all passenger vehicles sold in the country in 2024. Other compact models tailored to the region, such as Kia's sport utility vehicle Sonet, also contributed significantly to the group's sales, according to Marklines. South Africa is the largest car market in Africa. Last year, the country's vehicle demand reached approximately 351,556 units, accounting for nearly half of the continent's total sales estimation of 775,597, according to the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers. To sustain growth amid rapidly shifting international market conditions, Hyundai plans to accelerate its penetration into previously less-focused markets by introducing more models tailored specifically to regional needs.
India Today
09-05-2025
- Automotive
- India Today
Kia explores CNG option for Carens as Clavis arrives
With the arrival of the Clavis, Kia India is now exploring the CNG option for its popular multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), the Carens, according to the company's Senior Vice President and National Head of Sales and Marketing, Hardeep Singh Clavis is a premium addition to the Carens portfolio. Apart from MPVs like the Carens and the Carnival, the carmaker offers sport utility vehicles (SUVs) like the Sonet, Syros and Seltos, and electric vehicles (EVs) like the EV6 and the will continue to sell the old Carens alongside the Clavis, albeit in lower trims, which might get a CNG option in the future if the tests conducted by the company are successful. The CNG cars are gaining traction in the market mainly due to their fuel-efficient character. For reference, there has been a consistent rise in their domestic volumes from 4,01,744 units in FY23 to 6,25,400 units in FY24 to 8,38,306 units in FY25."We are retaining the existing Carens but only at the entry level because there are customers who would like to go for a budget buy. Also, there are fleet customers who may like to buy this car. When we upgrade with so many bells and whistles in the Clavis, the prices would go up significantly, and hence, the budget buyer may want to buy the existing Carens, which still has a great pull," Brar told India CNG volumes are increasing, we are working on the CNG option as well. But we want to make sure that when we give a CNG option, like all our products, it has to be the best CNG car. If our testing proves to be successful, we will bring it (in the Carens)," he the Carens does not have a CNG option at present, it does offer a diesel option, which constitutes almost 43% of its volumes."While most of the mass-market fleet operators do not have diesel, the Carens has diesel. And customers driving for long distances are averse to CNG as it is not available in all parts of the country at present. But diesel is available everywhere," Brar a time when the share of diesel cars in the domestic market has dropped below 19% (18.3% in FY25), the importance of the fuel for Kia can be gauged from the fact that all internal combustion engine (ICE) models of the carmaker have a diesel option."40% of our portfolio is comprised of diesel. Out of 2,50,000 units that we did last year, we were very close to 1,00,000 units for diesel. Even if you look at the overall industry level, diesel still contributes about 18%, and for the past years, it has continued to be at 18%. For us, it remains very close to 40%. And in the Carens, it is about 42-43%, even higher than our average, which clearly shows the demand is still very strong," Brar reason for that is the kind of high fuel efficiency that you get in diesel. At present, you cannot rely on CNG and EVs for intercity travel. Also, the kind of torque that you get, which is lacking in CNG cars, is attracting buyers towards diesel," he asked whether the company is looking to explore segments other than SUV and MPV, Brar observed: "We do not want to get into hatchback and sedan segments. We are only looking at SUV and MPV segments.""When we entered the Indian market, the SUVs and MPVs put together were only 30%, while the sedans and hatchbacks were 70%. But our research team did a fairly good job in terms of forecasting that the SUVs and MPVs will grow. Both of them put together are almost two-thirds of the market today, at almost 67%. We feel this is going to improve further, crossing even 70%," he to Auto Today Magazine
Time of India
02-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Car sales in April 2025: Dispatches maintain pace, demand still weak
New Delhi: Even as FY 2024–25 closed with low single-digit growth in passenger vehicle (PV) sales, early estimates suggest the industry maintained a similar trajectory in April 2025. For three of the top four carmakers, which together command over 75 per cent of the domestic PV market, year-on-year dispatch growth remained sluggish, according to data released by the companies on Thursday. The market appears divided, with one segment of consumers deferring purchases amid economic uncertainty, while more affluent buyers continue to drive demand, particularly for SUVs. In April 2025, market leader Maruti Suzuki posted marginal growth, dispatching 1.38 lakh units compared to 1.37 lakh units in the same month last year. On the other hand, tepid consumer sentiment weighed on Hyundai Motor India and Tata Motors as they reported a year-on-year decline in dealer dispatches. Tarun Garg, Chief Operating Officer at Hyundai Motor India acknowledged the challenges, stating that the domestic market continues to face headwinds due to various macroeconomic factors. However, he emphasised that the company remains focused on strengthening its export performance. Domestic DispatchesApril 2025April 2024% changeMaruti Suzuki1,38,7041,37,9520.5M&M52,33041,00828Tata Motors45,19947,883-6Hyundai44,37450,201-12Toyota Kirloskar24,83318,70033Kia 23,62319,96818JSW MG Motor5,8294,72523Honda Cars3,3604,351-23 The slowdown in growth rates also reflects carmakers' cautious approach to dealer dispatches, aimed at avoiding inventory buildup amid uncertain demand. However, if the trend continues, it could raise concerns on the retail front, potentially resulting in increased discounts and promotional offers to stimulate sales. Industry watchers also note that Hyundai and Tata Motors are being affected by a lack of fresh model launches in their portfolios—an area where Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) is gaining a competitive edge by capitalising on its newer offerings. In April, Mahindra, along with Toyota Kirloskar Motor, Kia, and JSW Motor, continued to post double-digit growth, driven largely by robust demand for their SUV models. Notably, Mahindra also overtook both Hyundai and Tata Motors to claim the No. 2 spot in the domestic passenger vehicle market during the month. Toyota Kirloskar noted that its growth was sustained despite a scheduled maintenance shutdown from April 21–25, 2025, which was carried out to ensure the upkeep of machinery and maintain operational efficiency, productivity, and safety. Kia, which is set to unveil its all-new Clavis MPV next week, said the brand's sales were led by its Sonet with 8,068 units, followed by Seltos at 6,135 units. Carens continued to see steady demand with 5,259 units, while the relatively new Syros contributed 4,000 units. The premium Carnival Limousine added 161 units to the overall tally. Honda Cars India also reported a double-digit YoY decline during April. The company's Vice President, Marketing & Sales, Kunal Behl, said, 'In view of the prevailing market conditions and subdued consumer sentiment, we have strategically moderated the dispatches in the month of April to maintain optimal inventory level across our network, ensuring operational efficiency and preparing for demand fluctuations without burdening the dealers.' He further added that certain variants of Honda Elevate will be available at discounted prices during May. Industry experts point out that consumer sentiment is being weighed down by concerns over a broader economic slowdown and the continued volatility in the stock markets, prompting many to postpone vehicle purchase decisions. The latest estimates peg India's real GDP growth at 6.5 per cent for 2024–25, marking a sharp deceleration from the 9.2 per cent expansion recorded in the previous fiscal year. In a recent earnings call, Maruti Suzuki Chairman RC Bhargava referred to projections from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), indicating that growth expectations for the PV segment in FY 2025–26 are muted at just 1–2 per cent. This marks a further slowdown from the modest 3 per cent growth recorded in the previous fiscal year, highlighting the industry's cautious outlook amid economic headwinds and shifting consumer behaviour. It is worth noting that this phase of slow growth follows the past years of strong recovery and record-high car sales in the post-pandemic period. The industry had experienced a sharp rebound driven by pent-up demand, supply chain stabilisation, and increased preference for personal mobility-- momentum that now appears to be tapering off.
