Kia Motors Europe achieved the highest first quarter sales in the company's history, with year-to-date growth of 7.4%, according to the latest data from the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA).
During the first three months of 2015, Kia posted sales of 96,092, the highest quarterly figure ever recorded by the Korean brand in Europe. Compared to the same period in 2014, this represents growth of 7.4%.
Michael Cole, Chief Operating Officer, Kia Motors Europe, commented: "The first three months of the year have seen Kia's strongest ever quarterly sales, and we're delighted that the company is maintaining a pattern of strong, sustainable growth. Our high quality, high value products continue to appeal to an increasing numbers of car buyers."
Cole added: "We are focused on delivering an industry-best level of service at every customer touchpoint - and our record results show that this approach is working. Simply put, we want customers to enjoy the car buying journey with Kia."
Though the Kia Sportage is now entering its fourth full year of production, the car enjoyed its best ever monthly sales in March, with 12,596 vehicles sold across Europe - over 400 per day. The Sportage found 27,796 European buyers throughout Q1 this year, representing sales growth of 18% for the brand's important best-selling model. The current version of the Sportage was updated in 2014 with a range of visual and dynamic enhancements.
Kia's first quarter growth has also been driven by rising sales of the all-new Kia Soul, which only recently went on-sale across Europe, as well as the recently upgraded Venga.
The cee'd remains the brand's second best-selling model in Europe behind the Sportage, and continues to appeal to customers thanks to its classy design, high quality interior, efficient range of engines and practical nature.
All models in Kia's European line-up continue to be sold with the brand's unique 7-year warranty.
56% of the cars delivered by Kia to customers in Europe were also made in Europe at the brand's modern production facility in ?ilina, Slovakia. 54,200 cars produced in ?ilina have been sold across Europe this year, consisting of the Kia Sportage, cee'd model family and Venga.
Having started production in 2006, Kia's European manufacturing facility recently produced its two millionth car - a high-powered Deluxe White' Kia pro_cee'd GT, destined for a buyer in Belgium.
The UK retained its place as Kia Motors' number one market in Europe, with 22,265 cars sold in the first quarter of 2015 and its highest ever sales month in March (15,017 units). Kia also celebrated a record-breaking month in Spain, with the 4,961 units sold in March a best-ever result - contributing to a national total of 11,513 units for the first quarter. Germany was Kia's second best-performing market from January to March, with 12,451 units sold.