Kia has hit 10,000 registrations in Ireland in a single year for the first time, reaching the milestone on 27 November 2025. The total includes 9,802 passenger cars and 201 car-derived vans, pushing the brand to fifth in the manufacturers' table with an eight per cent market share so far this year.
The make-up of Kia's sales has shifted since the late 2000s. Society of the Irish Motor Industry data from 2007 shows 3,845 registrations, a two per cent share and a near 50:50 split between petrol and diesel cars, with hatchbacks the top body style.
In 2025, SUVs account for more than 60 per cent of Kia's Irish volume. The fuel mix now is 29 per cent battery electric (BEV), 19 per cent plug-in hybrid (PHEV), 19 per cent diesel, 17 per cent hybrid and 16 per cent petrol.
The 10,000th vehicle was an EV4 supplied by Sleator Kia in Mullingar to Rockwell Engineering, which purchased two EV4s for its growing electric fleet. Kia says fleet interest in its electric models has supported the brand's rise alongside private demand.
"Reaching 10,000 annual vehicle sales is a testament to Kia's strategic efforts and customer-focused approach,” said Ronan Flood, Managing Director of Kia Ireland. "This achievement is thanks to our fantastic dealer network who work tirelessly at a local level to enable the best possible customer satisfaction which ensures repeat custom to allow for such an achievement.”
Kia's footprint in Ireland has grown steadily since the first cars arrived here in 2001. The Irish subsidiary was established in 2004, and the brand has recorded year-on-year gains since, helped by an expanded SUV and electrified line-up.
The company says further growth is planned in 2026 on the back of new model launches, particularly in its electric and hybrid ranges, and that new dealer appointments will be announced in the coming weeks to increase coverage.
Flood added that the brand expects to build on the milestone next year, including a push into the light commercial van segment: "This milestone not only celebrates past success but also signals a bright future for Kia in Ireland, with opportunities for continued growth as we move into the light commercial van business next year also. With some of the best offers in the market for 261, I would strongly encourage anyone in the market for a new vehicle to visit their local Kia dealership and see what we have to offer for 2026.”