Kia India witnessed record wholesales in August 2026 with a delivery of 29,042 units in August 2026. This is the highest August wholesales that Kia India has ever achieved since it entered the Indian market and the figure is higher by 48.1% year-on-year when compared to the wholesales of 19,608 units in August 2025. The company credited the strong performance to sustained demand for its core SUVs, appreciation for its electric cars and increased customer acceptance of its mass-premium portfolio.
August 2026 and YTD performance
August 2026 was an important month in terms of wholesale performance for Kia India as it has delivered 29,042 units in the month against 19,608 in August 2025 which indicates an increase of 48.1%. On a cumulative basis, the wholesales for 2026 so far stand at 220,991 against 183,882 in the corresponding period of 2025 which is 20.1% higher.
Kia India said that the growth in its wholesales is driven by its continuous effort to understand customer needs and deliver design-led, feature-filled and increasingly electrified options. The evolution of preferences of Indian buyers in terms of body style and propulsion systems allowed Kia to expand its portfolio and attract a broader spectrum of buyers ranging
According to Kia India, the growth has been driven by the company’s focus on the changing customer needs and evolving product portfolio. It comprises more design-led options, features and electrified vehicles. In India, as customers look for a variety of body types and powertrains, Kia India’s evolving portfolio has helped the brand attract a variety of customers – from first-time SUV buyers to upgraders seeking premium products.
Seltos and Sonet continue to be volume contributors
Despite the launch of additional products, the Seltos and Sonet continue to be volume anchors for Kia India. The Seltos has been averaging more than 10,000 units since the latest launch in January 2023. The Sonet continues to be the customer favorite sub-compact SUV, competing with rivals like the Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon and Maruti Brezza.
The models have been able to attract customers owing to their design, features, various powertrains and good perceived value. The Seltos and Sonet continue to be the main contributors of volumes for Kia India, ensuring that the footfalls in the showrooms are sustained and that newer launches have a stable base.
Electric Push: Syros EV and Ownership Proposition
The electric vehicle lineup offered by Kia India is also increasingly starting to contribute to the brand’s sales volume in a meaningful way. The Syros EV model that was recently launched has received a “tremendous response” from buyers, says the company. As more Indian consumers start considering electrified options for mobility, Syros EV gives Kia another opportunity to provide a choice of vehicles that suit their way of life.
To mitigate common worries about the purchase and ownership of electric cars, Kia India has developed one of the most solid ownership propositions in the industry. It includes:
Assured Buyback: Developed to help retain the resale value of a vehicle during the time of upgrading or selling out.
Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS): Developed to lower upfront costs and help make electric vehicles more affordable.
Lifetime High Voltage Battery Warranty: Helps buyers get some peace of mind about the condition of the battery in the long run.
All of these initiatives are designed to help Indians make their transition to electric mobility easier and more convenient.
Management commentary and strategic direction
Mr. Atul Sood, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Kia India, shared insights regarding the performance recorded in August. He said that the August performance was indicative of continued customer trust in the brand and relevance of the brand’s product portfolio in today’s times. He further said that the continued sustenance of high demand for the Seltos and Sonet along with encouraging contribution made by the Syros EV was an indication of acceptance of electric mobility.
He highlighted that some of the features of ownership such as Assured Buyback, Battery-as-a-Service and Lifetime Battery Warranty offered by the brand are important enablers in making electric mobility a reality. He further said that Kia India is committed to offering future-ready mobility solutions which not only provide immense value but also offer great choice and differentiated ownership experience.
Management commentary and strategic direction
As stated by Mr. Atul Sood, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Kia India, the performance of August is a result of customer trust and the relevance of the new products in the portfolio of Kia. It has been noticed that the Seltos and Sonet have been creating demand, while the encouraging performance by Syros EV has indicated that electric mobility is gaining traction among consumers.
Also, Sood has mentioned that the ownership benefits like Assured Buyback, Battery-as-a-Service and Lifetime Battery Warranty of Kia are some of the critical elements in ensuring a more comfortable transition towards electric mobility. He further added that Kia would always continue working towards offering future-ready mobility solutions that create value and differentiation for customers.
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Upcoming launch: Kia Sorento in premium three-row SUV category
The upcoming launch by Kia India would include the launch of Kia Sorento on September 4, 2026. The Sorento is going to be the first hybrid SUV for India and would also come with a high-performance diesel engine. It will be a new segment entry by Kia India as Sorento would be competing with models like Skoda Kodiaq, Volkswagen Tayron and Jeep Meridian.
Sorento is designed for those who want to have a bigger and more premium version of the vehicle. That’s how Kia continues its policy of building its product portfolio along with growing needs of its customers. Sorento’s launch will help Kia to develop its premium mobility offering and attract more families and upgraders that are interested in premium spacious SUVs with advanced powertrains.
Dealer network and pre-owned ecosystem
Kia India benefits from its wide nationwide network that helps with sales and services. At the moment, there are 910 touchpoints of the brand across 418 cities of India which makes it convenient for customers to access the brand regardless of their location – urban and emerging markets.
Also, there are 137 Certified Pre-Owned outlets operated by Kia India, providing easy financing, hassle-free exchange and a seamless ownership experience. This pre-owned ecosystem together with Assured Buyback program of Kia India helps buyers of upgraded and EVs to feel confident with their choice.
The launch of the Sorento aims at customers who are looking for a larger and more luxurious mobility solution, aligning itself with Kia’s vision of making their mobility portfolio grow with their customers. The launch of the Sorento is expected to add value to the brand’s premium mobility offerings and appeal to more families and upgraders who are in need of a spacious, well-equipped SUV along with advanced powertrains.
Dealer network and pre-owned ecosystem
The dealer network and pre-owned ecosystem in India have been contributing significantly to the brand’s business in the region. Currently, the brand has 910 touchpoints in 418 cities in India. This extensive reach not only makes Kia India’s dealerships accessible but also offers services and support for Kia India’s entire vehicle range, including electric vehicles.
Along with it, the brand has 137 Certified Pre-Owned outlets where it offers instant payment, seamless exchange, and hassle-free ownership experience. It complements the Assured Buyback program offered by Kia and instills confidence in potential buyers when they are looking at upgrading or buying an EV.
About Kia India and manufacturing footprint
The Indian wing of Kia Motors signed an MOU agreement with the Government of Andhra Pradesh in April 2017 to establish a manufacturing unit in Anantapur District. Mass production started in August 2019 at a total annual capacity of 400,000 units. Up until now, the Anantapur plant has dispatched a total of almost 1.9 million vehicles, out of which, around 1.5 million units have been sold locally and more than 3.67 lakh units for exports.
The marque has introduced nine different models in India: Seltos, Syros, Sonet, Carens, Carnival, EV6, EV9, Carens Clavis and Carens Clavis EV. Having more than 5 lakhs connected vehicles in India makes Kia one of the leading connected vehicles marques in the country. With a well-established touchpoint network of 910 outlets across 418 cities, it is clear that the marque intends to fortify itself across the nation in anticipation of its next growth phase driven by the Sorento and EV models.
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