Kia PH hailed as brand’s top performer in APAC region

Kia Philippines has announced that it was recently recognized as the global marque’s top-performing distributor in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region.

According to the Ayala-backed vehicle distributor, it achieved the highest growth rate in the aforementioned portion of the world. It was also hailed as the Korean automotive brand’s leading independent distributor in terms of retail sales last year for APAC. 

The company shared that for 2022, it enjoyed a 34-percent sales increase as compared to 2021— reflecting a higher figure compared to the local automotive industry’s 26-percent pace. Per Kia Philippines, it has always outpaced the overall industry's performance in terms of growth and “rivaled the accomplishments of other leading brands.”

Kia Philippines attributed the string of successes to its strong partnership with dealer principals. From 30 dealers in 2018, the company now has 42 dealers under its belt as of last year — with more to follow.

Further, the company said that all the aforementioned sales facilities in the country will have refreshed exteriors, and by next year, share Kia's revamped interior design aesthetic.

During the fourth-year anniversary celebration, Kia Philippines identified its top-performing dealer groups namely Gateway Motors, Wheels Inc., Iconic Dealerships Inc., Traders of the Laus Group, and Grand Canyon. New partners Autohub Group, Wheeltek, and Prime Legacy were also welcomed during the gathering.

To recall, Kia Philippines as an Ayala company started in January 2019 and relaunched the Soluto as the very first all-new model introduced. Shortly after this, the company unveiled the all-new Stinger and the refreshed Forte at the 2019 Manila International Auto Show, followed by the all-new Seltos reveal in November the same year.

Kia Philippines launched the Stonic (famously known for its "The Style That’s Iconic" slogan). Which continuously is its best-selling nameplate locally.

In 2021, Kia brought into the Philippines its all-new Sorento, together with the new brand identity “Movement that inspires.”

Last year, the all-new Kia Carnival was reintroduced to the local market.

Next month, Kia Philippines is set to officially launch its first-ever battery electric vehicle — the EV6 — to mark its entry in the electrified mobility category.

Per Bank of Philippine Islands'  lead economist Jun Neri, auto sales will continue to grow at a hefty pace this year after showing a stellar performance last year. The sustained economic recovery is seen in 2023 following the less international and domestic travel restrictions; easier access to consumer credit; a reduced unemployment rate boosting purchasing power and consumer credit scores; inflation slowdown; and a more stable foreign exchange environment.

Photos from Kia Philippines

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