KIA AMERICA POSTS RECORD FEBRUARY SALES
MWN-AI** Summary
Kia America has reported an impressive 4% increase in sales for February 2026, achieving record sales of 66,005 units compared to the same month in the previous year. This remarkable performance was driven in part by significant interest in their newly launched 2027 Telluride, which not only helped the brand gain traction but also set an all-time monthly sales record for the model with 13,198 units sold. The sales success was widespread, with seven models, including the Carnival, Sportage, and K4, also setting best-ever February sales records.
Hybrid models saw a notable uptick, with sales surging 53% year-over-year. The Telluride's success underscores the ongoing popularity of KIA's diverse lineup, attracting both new and repeat customers. Eric Watson, vice president of sales operations at Kia America, highlighted the ongoing interest in the brand, stating, “Interest in the Kia brand throughout the U.S. is growing by leaps and bounds.”
In addition to the sales records, Kia has ramped up production of the all-new 2027 Telluride Hybrid at its Georgia facility, which recently celebrated a significant manufacturing milestone of producing its five millionth vehicle. The Kia K4 compact sedan received recognition as MotorWeek's Drivers' Choice for Best Family Car for 2026, while the electric EV9 model garnered multiple accolades from Cars.com and Kelley Blue Book, solidifying its reputation as a leading choice in the electric vehicle market.
Kia's commitment to innovation and sustainability continues to position the brand for growth, aligning with its goal of enhancing its manufacturing capabilities and expanding its presence in the competitive automotive landscape.
MWN-AI** Analysis
Kia America has reported record-breaking sales in February, achieving a total of 66,005 units sold, a 4% increase compared to the same month in 2025. This surge marks an encouraging trend for investors and industry analysts, underscoring the brand's growing market footprint, particularly with popular models like the Telluride and hybrid offerings.
The standout performer, the Telluride, set an all-time sales record with 13,198 units, driven by heightened consumer interest in SUVs and Kia's recent redesign efforts. As the market shifts towards electric and hybrid vehicles, Kia's impressive 53% year-over-year increase in hybrid sales reflects its adaptability and forward-thinking in line with consumer preferences.
With seven KIA models, including the Carnival and K5, recording significant sales increases, the automotive manufacturer's diverse lineup positions it well in a competitive market. The K4 and the EV9, which recently received accolades for their innovative design and technology, are pivotal assets that can attract customers seeking modern and eco-friendly options.
From an investment perspective, Kia's momentum suggests potential for continued growth. Industry recognition, such as the EV9 being named "Best 3-Row Electric Vehicle," enhances its brand image, likely translating to increased sales and profitability. Investors should keep an eye on Kia's strategic plans, especially in the context of expanding hybrid and electric vehicle offerings.
In summary, Kia America’s robust February sales highlight a significant upward trajectory. Analysts should consider this positive trend in sales volume and model diversity when advising on potential investments in Kia, aligning with broader market trends leaning towards sustainable and technologically advanced vehicles.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
PR Newswire
- Telluride achieves all-time highest monthly sales within first month of nationwide 2027 model year availability
- Seven Kia models post year-over-year sales increases – Carnival, Sportage, and K4 achieve best-ever February sales records
- Hybrid models deliver best-ever February sales, up 53 percent year-over-year
IRVINE, Calif., March 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Kia America's record-breaking streak continued into February with sales of 66,005 units, a 4 percent increase over February 2025. Sales of Kia's hybrid models also reached a new February record, increasing 53 percent over the same period last year.
Seven Kia models – Telluride (+37 percent); Carnival (+31 percent); K5 (+21 percent); Niro (+20 percent); Seltos (+14 percent); Sportage (+6 percent); and K4 (+3 percent) – posted year-over-year sales increases. Carnival, Sportage and K4 each achieved best-ever February sales records, while Telluride set a new all-time monthly sales record with 13,198 units sold, driven by the launch of the redesigned model.
"Interest in the Kia brand throughout the U.S. is growing by leaps and bounds and the all-new 2027 Telluride is the reason. Just as we launched the second-generation SUV, Telluride achieved its highest-ever monthly sales, underscoring the sustained interest in and ongoing popularity of this segment leading model," said Eric Watson, vice president, sales operations, Kia America. "Our diverse vehicle lineup continues to attract new customers as well as maintain repeat customers, trends that we fully expect to continue."
In addition to the monthly sales performance, Kia America also made additional announcements, including:
- The all-new 2027 Telluride Hybrid began production at the Kia Georgia plant in West Point – which recently produced its five millionth vehicle, a milestone that was commemorated at an event attended by Brian Kemp, governor of Georgia. The occasion underscored Kia's continued investment in advanced manufacturing capabilities and its long-term commitment to innovation and growth in the United States.
- The 2026 Kia K4 compact sedan was named MotorWeek's Drivers' Choice for Best Family Car in 2026. The K4 was recognized for its dynamic styling, spacious interior, advanced technology and standard ADAS features.
- The Kia EV9 was honored with two high-profile industry awards from Cars.com and Kelley Blue Book:
- The 2026 EV9 was named the Cars.com Best Electric Vehicle, marking the second consecutive year the three-row electric SUV has been awarded the honor. This recognition builds on the EV9's recent designation as Cars.com's Top 3-Row EV Pick reflecting its leadership in range, charging performance, family friendly design and overall EV excellence.
- For the third consecutive year, the Kia EV9 was once again the "Best 3-Row Electric Vehicle" according to the experts at Kelley Blue Book. In making their decision, the editors highlighted EV9's compelling combination of price, power, range, design and available technology.
- Five Kia models were named winners of the 2026 Car and Driver Editors' Choice awards, which recognizes vehicles that deliver top-notch performance, value, and driving enjoyment within their respective segments. All five Kia vehicles are repeat honorees from last year, including the K5 sedan which has earned a spot on the list every year since its debut as a 2021 model.
- Minivans: 2026 Kia Carnival and 2026 Kia Carnival Hybrid
- Electric Compact SUV: 2026 Kia EV6
- Electric Mid-size SUV: 2026 Kia EV9
- Mid-size Family Sedan: 2026 Kia K5
MONTH OF FEBRUARY | FEBRUARY YEAR TO DATE | |||
Model | 2026 | 2025 | 2026 | 2025 |
EV9 | 819 | 1,360 | 1,493 | 2,592 |
EV6 | 600 | 1,275 | 1,140 | 2,817 |
K4/Forte | 11,864 | 11,669 | 23,506 | 23,285 |
K5 | 6,053 | 4,991 | 12,329 | 9,348 |
Soul | 1,025 | 4,006 | 2,756 | 7,560 |
Niro | 1,783 | 1,485 | 4,953 | 2,687 |
Seltos | 4,209 | 3,707 | 9,487 | 6,547 |
Sportage | 13,901 | 13,072 | 27,885 | 24,429 |
Sorento | 6,748 | 7,699 | 12,652 | 14,570 |
Telluride | 13,198 | 9,599 | 22,622 | 18,370 |
Carnival | 5,805 | 4,440 | 11,684 | 8,105 |
Total | 66,005 | 63,303 | 130,507 | 120,310 |
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 2025. 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 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.
SOURCE Kia America
FAQ**
How do the record February sales figures for Kia America impact the overall market performance of Douglas Emmett Inc. DEI in the automotive sector this quarter?
What strategies can Douglas Emmett Inc. DEI adopt to leverage the surge in sales of Kia models like the Telluride and EV9 in their investment portfolio?
Given the increase in hybrid model sales by 53%, what opportunities does Douglas Emmett Inc. DEI see for sustainable vehicle investments, particularly in Kia's lineup?
How can Douglas Emmett Inc. DEI assess the implications of Kia's growing popularity and record sales on their future business relationships within the automotive supply chain?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about Douglas Emmett Inc. (NYSE: DEI).
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