Latest news with #Seltos
Miami Herald
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Kia's Sales Soar: Drivers Can't Get Enough of These 3 Models
Most automakers don't release monthly sales results, but Kia, a longstanding exception alongside its sister company, Hyundai, has posted promising delivery numbers for May. Last month, Kia sold 269,148 units, up 1.7% year-over-year. Outside of Korea, Kia moved 223,817 units, a 2.6% annual increase. Kia SUVs such as the Sportage, Seltos, and Sorento stood out in May, selling 48,091, 26,017, and 21,889 units, respectively, while combined sales of the K4 and K3 outside of Korea totaled 17,641 examples. One sedan, Kia's K5, has also been making a splash with a 256% year-over-year increase in May. Kia padded its sales by launching its EV3 electric SUV, which won World Car of the Year at the 2025 World Car Awards, alongside the EV4 electric sedan and the Tasman pickup. However, Kia's domestic sales experienced a 2.4% year-over-year decrease. The Sorento was the biggest hit in Korea during May, selling 7,734 units, followed by the Carnival MPV at 6,651 units and the Sportage at 5,295 units. Overall, this year held Kia's best Q1 numbers in history. In 2024, Kia sold over 780,000 units in the U.S.-the company's all-time high, Tork reports. The automaker's strong 2024 performance also marked the seventh consecutive year that it experienced retail sales growth. Increased quality, new models, and evolving brand perception are driving Kia's global sales success, but Kia's flagship all-electric model, the EV9, sold just 37 U.S. examples in May, representing a 98.3% year-over-year decline. Additionally, sales of Kia's electric EV6 have been down 40.8% in the U.S. during the first five months, nearing the EV9's 48.2% sales drop during the same period. Eric Watson, vice president of sales operations at Kia America, said that the EV9's new 2026 Nightfall Edition and the GT-Line model with a two-tone roof are among the incentives that should spur the model's sales growth. For its 4th of July event, Kia is selling the 2025 Niro EV with a 0% APR finance offer for 72 months and a $7,500 cash incentive. The brand also offers 1.9% APR for 60 months and a $500 cash bonus on select trims as part of its holiday specials. Kia has achieved success in recent years by transforming its image, with Peter Schreyer playing a central role as Chief Design Officer from 2006 to 2012 and Chief Design Officer of the Hyundai Motor Group, which oversees Kia, from 2012 to 2018. Before working at Kia, Schreyer was head of the Volkswagen Group's Potsdam, Germany, studio. In 2006, Schreyer was given the opportunity to rebuild Kia's design direction from scratch, with his modern, sleek, and balanced designs leading Kia's global annual sales increase from 1.6 million to 3 million units between 2009 and 2016, according to Autocar. One of the influential designer's key contributions to Kia was the wide tiger nose front grille with top and bottom indents in the center, something he describes as "a frontal element so strong that you wouldn't even need a Kia badge as an identifier." Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Hindustan Times
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Next-gen Kia Seltos spotted testing with two front fascias. Can it be the Seltos EV
The camouflaged test vehicles reveal two clearly different front-end designs. Unlike the X Line variants Kia currently offers—where visual changes are largely cosmetic—the new Seltos prototypes exhibit noticeable changes to bumpers, grilles, and alloy wheel designs (kindelauto/instagram) Notify me Kia appears to be preparing its popular Seltos SUV for an electric transformation, following in the footsteps of its sibling brand Hyundai's Creta Electric. Spy shots of the upcoming 2026 Kia Seltos suggest that the next-generation model might include a fully electric variant—one that will feature distinct design cues to set it apart from the internal combustion and hybrid versions. Although official confirmation is pending, visual evidence suggests Kia is adopting a dual-front-fascia strategy, possibly to differentiate the EV. Also Read : Kia Carens Clavis EV spotted ahead of launch 2026 Kia Seltos: Design The camouflaged test vehicles reveal two clearly different front-end designs. Unlike the X Line variants Kia currently offers—where visual changes are largely cosmetic—the new Seltos prototypes exhibit noticeable changes to bumpers, grilles, and alloy wheel designs. Both test mules also had charging ports at the front, implicating at least one of them could be an all-battery electric vehicle (BEV). This suggests a battery electric vehicle (BEV), and is consistent with how Hyundai is handling its Creta Electric. The Creta Electric uses a separate design language from the standard version while keeping the overall shape. Kia's dual-front design could also hint at more than just styling variation—perhaps one fascia belongs to an EV, while the other belongs to a sportier petrol or hybrid model. Also watch: All the features in the second row of the new Kia Carens Clavis #Kia #CarensClavis 2026 Kia Seltos: Features While the interiors remain under wraps, it is expected that the Seltos EV may feature EV-specific cabin updates such as a steering column-mounted gear selector, new interface elements, and reworked trim pieces. The emphasis is likely to be on minimalism, modern tech, and digital enhancements. Comfort and feature-rich interiors—already a strength for Kia—are expected to continue, possibly with tweaks to accommodate EV requirements. 2026 Kia Seltos: Specifications The Seltos EV could potentially take the mechanicals from the Creta Electric, meaning it could be offered with either a 42 kWh or 51.4 kWh battery pack paired to a 169 bhp front-mounted electric motor. It is expected to provide a claimed range of up to 473 km, just as the Creta Electric. Moreover, other specifics like the 0-100 kmph time are also likely to remain same as the Hyundai counterpart at 7.9 seconds. A hybrid powertrain variant is also expected to be on offer to take direct competition with offerings from Toyota and Maruti with their SUV's variants. Check out Upcoming EV Cars in India, Upcoming EV Bikes in India. First Published Date: 10 Jun 2025, 14:25 PM IST
Mint
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- Mint
Is Kia working on Seltos EV? Spy shots hint at a radical dual-fascia design: What all to expect
Kia appears to be readying the next-generation Seltos for an electric overhaul, with fresh spy images pointing towards the development of a battery electric version of the popular SUV. This move would see the Seltos follow a path similar to that of its corporate cousin, the Hyundai Creta, which is already slated for an all-electric debut. Though the carmaker has yet to officially confirm the development, camouflaged test mules suggest Kia is working on at least two variants of the 2026 Seltos—both featuring distinctly different front-end designs. Notably, each prototype could sport a front-mounted charging port, a strong indicator that at least one is a fully electric model. According to an HT Auto report, the biggest talking point from the spy shots is Kia's adoption of a dual-front-fascia design strategy. Unlike the current X-Line trims, where styling differences are purely aesthetic, these test vehicles showcase entirely reworked bumpers, grilles, and alloy wheels. It is likely that Kia is creating visual separation between the EV and petrol or hybrid versions of the Seltos. This approach mirrors Hyundai's strategy with the Creta Electric, which uses a distinct design while retaining the overall silhouette of the standard model. One of the test cars could therefore be a pure-electric Seltos, while the other might represent a more performance-oriented hybrid or petrol variant. While Kia has managed to keep the interiors out of sight for now, the EV version is expected to receive cabin updates suited to its electric drivetrain. Likely additions include a steering-column-mounted gear selector, redesigned trim elements, and a more minimalistic dashboard featuring enhanced digital interfaces. Given Kia's reputation for feature-rich interiors, the upcoming Seltos EV is expected to continue this trend, possibly incorporating elements from the brand's existing electric offerings to cater to the growing demand for high-tech, comfortable cabins. If the Seltos EV borrows its underpinnings from the upcoming Creta Electric, it could arrive with either a 42 kWh or 51.4 kWh battery pack, powering a 169 bhp electric motor mounted on the front axle. This configuration is projected to deliver a driving range of up to 473 kilometres (claimed), aligning with what's expected from the Hyundai counterpart. Performance is also anticipated to match, with a 0-100 km/h sprint time of around 7.9 seconds. In addition to the electric variant, Kia is expected to offer a hybrid version of the Seltos as well—aimed at rivalling Toyota and Maruti's electrified SUV offerings.
NDTV
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- NDTV
Hardeep Singh Brar Exits Kia India- Likely To Join BMW Group?
Hardeep Singh Brar, Senior Vice President and the National Head of Sales & Marketing at Kia India, has stepped down from his role, with his last working day on June 30, 2025. The update comes while the Korean automaker is working to expand its reach in the Indian market with the introduction of new products. Reports suggest that Hardeep Brar is likely to BMW Group India as the Country Head. Hardeep Brar began his role at Kia India in March 2021 and played a key role in the company's growth within the competitive automotive market. Under his leadership, Kia India achieved notable milestones, including becoming the fastest car brand in India to sell over one million units. During his tenure, there were several successful model launches that contributed to an increase in brand volume and market presence. Also Read: Tata Motors To Launch 30 Models By FY30, 7 To Be All-New Nameplates Kia expanded its product lineup with significant launches, including the refreshed Seltos and Sonet, the three-row Carens, the electric vehicle EV6, the new-generation Carnival, as well as the newly introduced Syros and Carens Clavis, along with the flagship EV, the Kia EV9. These product introductions have strengthened Kia's position in the mass-premium and premium market segments in India. His potential transition to BMW Group India occurs at a moment when the German luxury automaker aims to solidify its foothold in the premium vehicle market due to increasing competition from rivals like Mercedes-Benz and Audi. If he is appointed, Brar will take over from Vikram Pawah, who remains in charge of operations in the wider Asia-Pacific region.
Time of India
09-06-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Hardeep Brar bids adieu to Kia India
Hardeep Singh Brar, Senior Vice President & Head of Marketing & Sales at Kia India , has stepped down from his role, sources told ETAuto. The move comes as Kia prepares to further expand its operations in India. The company recently launched Carens Clavis and Syros. Brar, who took charge in March 2021, helped steer the company through a phase of strong growth. During his tenure, Kia India crossed the one million cumulative sales mark and consistently ranked among the top five carmakers in the Indian market. He also played a role in enhancing the brand's digital retail presence and improving overall customer satisfaction. The company extended its network to over 744 touchpoints across 329 cities under the broader Kia 2.0 strategy during this period. In his five years with Kia, Brar was involved in several key product introductions, including the Seltos, Sonet, Carens, Carnival, and the flagship EV6. A veteran of the Indian automotive industry , Brar brings more than two decades of experience across leading car brands such as Great Wall Motors, Volkswagen, Maruti Suzuki, Nissan, and General Motors. His expertise spans sales, marketing, customer service, and network development. Brar is also an alumnus of the Senior Executive Leadership Programme at Harvard Business School. Kia India has not yet officially announced his successor.
