Kia Motors has recorded its best-ever European* half-year sales surpassing 250,000 Units.

• Six – month sales record – 251,472 units sold; a 9.5 per cent year – on – year rise
• Market share increase to 3.0 per cent
• The UK representing 20 per cent of sales
• Hybrid and electric cars account for 7.5 per cent of 2017 sales, up from one percent in 2016
• New models and electrified powertrains drive growth

Kia Motors has recorded its best-ever six-month sales period, with European* half-year sales surpassing 250,000 for the first time in the company’s history, with UK sales representing 20 per cent of sales at 50,000 units.

The latest data released today by ACEA (European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association) shows that Kia sold 251,472 units across Europe during the first six months of the year, a 9.5 per cent rise, year-on-year. In addition, Kia’s cumulative market share climbed to 3.0 per cent, up from 2.8 per cent (229,585 units) during the first half of 2016.

The second quarter of 2017 also represents Kia’s best-ever quarterly sales, with 126,485 units sold (+6.3 per cent compared to Q2 2016, with 118,985 units sold). This is the second time Kia has broken its quarterly sales record this year – between January and March 2017, Kia sold 124,987 units across Europe.

Michael Cole, Chief Operating Officer of Kia Motors Europe, commented: “Our growth has been boosted by new models launched in the last few months, and our growing range of vehicles with electrified powertrains. Alternatively-fuelled vehicles have accounted for 7.5 of our European sales so far this year, up from just one per cent in the first six months of 2016. This trend will continue as we expand our electric and hybrid model line-up, and as consumer demand continues to shift towards advanced powertrains."

Cole added: “Four Kia models in particular stand out with high sales growth so far this year. The new Rio and Picanto were introduced earlier in 2017, and are both outselling their predecessors. The Niro hybrid crossover proves appeal of a car that uniquely combines an advanced hybrid powertrain with a smart compact crossover design. Sales of the renewed Optima range, with new GT, Sportswagon and Plug-in Hybrid variants, have also been positive, more than doubling sales of the previous model.”

In the UK Sportage continues to dominate sales with 21,573 units sold. The all-new Picanto comes in second with 7,292 units sold, followed by the Rio and Cee’d in third and fourth place.

Seven-fold increase in sales of electrified Kia models

Vehicles with all-electric or electrified powertrains represent the greatest area of growth for Kia sales in Europe. Since the start of 2017, the new Kia Niro hybrid crossover has accounted for 16,002 unit sales, making it Kia’s fifth best-selling European vehicle (after the Picanto, Rio, Sportage and cee’d model family).

In total, electrified and all-electric Kia vehicles accounted for 18,804 unit sales in the first half of 2017, up from 2,398 units from January-to-June in 2016 (more than a seven-fold increase in sales). The Niro was joined by the new Optima Plug-in Hybrid sedan (428 units) and Soul EV (2,272 units).

Hybrid and electric sales are due to grow further throughout the year, as the new Niro Plug-in Hybrid and Optima Sportswagon Plug-in Hybrid – with greater all-electric, zero-emissions range from their larger batteries – are due on sale over the summer. These latest models ensure Kia remains on target to achieve its global aim for 2020 – to improve fuel efficiency by 25 per cent compared with 2014 levels.

Two new compact models – the all-new Rio and Picanto – were also launched at the start of the year, with each resulting in greater sales than their predecessors. Combining run-out sales of the old models and those of the new model, Rio sales have grown 15.1 per cent year-on-year (41,139 units), while sales of the A-segment Picanto grew 23.2 per cent year-on-year (to 34,880 units).

Optima sales have also seen an increase, with the creation of the new Sportswagon body style and new powertrain options, including a high-powered GT model, and Plug-in Hybrid variants. Optima sales so far this year stand at 8,371 units, a rise of 153.8 per cent compared to the same period in 2016 when the previous generation was on sale.

Infiniti continued its unprecedented sales momentum in February when it sold 16,600 vehicles globally.

• All-time high result for Western Europe with 208 percent growth
• 18th consecutive month with global year-on-year growth

Infiniti continued its unprecedented sales momentum in February when it sold 16,600 vehicles globally, an increase of 0.2 percent over February 2015. This was the best February result for Infiniti globally as well as the 18th consecutive month with year-on-year growth. 

Year-to-date, Infiniti sold more than 32,250 vehicles, up 1 percent year over year, and another new record for the company.

February represented the best-ever month in history for Infiniti in Western Europe. In addition, it was the best-ever February in key regions and markets including China, Middle East, Canada, Mexico, A&O (Asia & Oceania) and Korea. Year to date, key markets – including China, Western Europe, Canada and A&O – all achieved double-digit growth.

In China, Infiniti sold more than 2,200 vehicles in February, up 16 percent from the same month last year. It marked the 26th consecutive month with year-over-year growth in China. So far this year, Infiniti sold more than 5,800 vehicles in China, an increase of 28 percent.

In Western Europe, Infiniti sold almost 1,300 vehicles in the month, an increase of 208 percent. Year-to-date, 2,100 vehicles were sold – up 138 percent year over year. The all-new Europe market Q30 Active Compact strongly contributed to this result.

In the Americas (U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Latin America), Infiniti sold more than 11,400 vehicles in February, down 9 percent year over year. During the first two months of the year, approximately 21,000 vehicles were sold, a decrease of 9 percent due to model year change over. However, Infiniti achieved its best February year-to-date sales in Canada, Mexico and Latin America.

In Asia and Oceania (Australia, Korea, Taiwan and other markets), Infiniti sold 500 vehicles in February 2016, an increase of 22 percent compared to the

• All-time high result for Western Europe with 208 percent growth
• 18th consecutive month with global year-on-year growth

Infiniti continued its unprecedented sales momentum in February when it sold 16,600 vehicles globally, an increase of 0.2 percent over February 2015. This was the best February result for Infiniti globally as well as the 18th consecutive month with year-on-year growth. Year-to-date, Infiniti sold more than 32,250 vehicles, up 1 percent year over year, and another new record for the company.

February represented the best-ever month in history for Infiniti in Western Europe. In addition, it was the best-ever February in key regions and markets including China, Middle East, Canada, Mexico, A&O (Asia & Oceania) and Korea. Year to date, key markets – including China, Western Europe, Canada and A&O – all achieved double-digit growth.

In China, Infiniti sold more than 2,200 vehicles in February, up 16 percent from the same month last year. It marked the 26th consecutive month with year-over-year growth in China. So far this year, Infiniti sold more than 5,800 vehicles in China, an increase of 28 percent.

In Western Europe, Infiniti sold almost 1,300 vehicles in the month, an increase of 208 percent. Year-to-date, 2,100 vehicles were sold – up 138 percent year over year. The all-new Europe market Q30 Active Compact strongly contributed to this result.

In the Americas (U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Latin America), Infiniti sold more than 11,400 vehicles in February, down 9 percent year over year. During the first two months of the year, approximately 21,000 vehicles were sold, a decrease of 9 percent due to model year change over. However, Infiniti achieved its best February year-to-date sales in Canada, Mexico and Latin America.

In Asia and Oceania (Australia, Korea, Taiwan and other markets), Infiniti sold 500 vehicles in February 2016, an increase of 22 percent compared to the same month in 2015. Year-to-date, sales reached almost 1,200 vehicles, an increase of 41 percent. The A&O region overall as well as the individual markets of Australia and Korea broke February year-to-date sales records.

"Driven by our successful product offensive, we continue to grow our global sales," said Roland Krueger, president of Infiniti Motor Company. "As new products such as QX30 and Q60 will hit the market in the course of this year, we expect to continue this momentum."

About Infiniti

Infiniti Motor Company Ltd. is headquartered in Hong Kong with sales operations in over 50 countries. The Infiniti brand was launched in 1989. Its range of premium automobiles is currently built in manufacturing facilities in Japan, the United States, United Kingdom and China. Infiniti plans to also expand manufacturing into Mexico by 2017.

Infiniti design studios are located in Atsugi-Shi near Yokohama, London, San Diego and Beijing.

Infiniti is in the middle of a major product offensive. The brand has been widely acclaimed for its daring design and innovative driver-assistance technologies.

From the 2016 season, Infiniti is a technical partner of the Renault Sport Formula One team, contributing its expertise in hybrid performance. same month in 2015. Year-to-date, sales reached almost 1,200 vehicles, an increase of 41 percent. The A&O region overall as well as the individual markets of Australia and Korea broke February year-to-date sales records.

"Driven by our successful product offensive, we continue to grow our global sales," said Roland Krueger, president of Infiniti Motor Company. "As new products such as QX30 and Q60 will hit the market in the course of this year, we expect to continue this momentum."

About Infiniti

Infiniti Motor Company Ltd. is headquartered in Hong Kong with sales operations in over 50 countries. The Infiniti brand was launched in 1989. Its range of premium automobiles is currently built in manufacturing facilities in Japan, the United States, United Kingdom and China. Infiniti plans to also expand manufacturing into Mexico by 2017.

Infiniti design studios are located in Atsugi-Shi near Yokohama, London, San Diego and Beijing.

Infiniti is in the middle of a major product offensive. The brand has been widely acclaimed for its daring design and innovative driver-assistance technologies.

From the 2016 season, Infiniti is a technical partner of the Renault Sport Formula One team, contributing its expertise in hybrid performance.

CHINA SALES JANUARY - Ford breaks all records in January with sales in excess of 290,000 units sold.

• Ford sold a record 130,832 vehicles in January; up 36 percent
• Changan Ford sold a record 111,856 vehicles in January; up 58 percent
• Jiangling Motor Corporation sold 17,255 vehicles in January

Ford Motor Company started 2016 with record-breaking sales in China, with 130,832 Ford vehicles sold in January, up 36 percent compared to January 2015. Record sales of the Ford Escort, the new Ford Mondeo, and Ford’s sport utility vehicle (SUV) lineup helped boost January sales.

“We are honored that customers are responding so positively to our vehicles,” said John Lawler, chairman and CEO of Ford Motor China. “The combination of great performance and great value is clearly bringing more people into Ford showrooms.”

Changan Ford Automobile (CAF), Ford's passenger car joint venture, also broke sales records, with 111,856 vehicles sold, up 58 percent compared to January 2015.

The Ford Escort helped drive January’s strong performance, with a record 28,980 vehicles sold, a six-fold increase compared to January 2015. The new Ford Mondeo was another record breaker, with more than 15,000 vehicles sold, up 33 percent compared to January 2015.

January was also a record-breaking month for Ford SUVs. Monthly sales of the Ford Ecosport, Kuga, Edge, Explorer and Everest totaled 37,411 vehicles, up 75 percent compared to January 2015.

Jiangling Motors Corporation (JMC), Ford's commercial vehicle investment in China, sold 17,255 vehicles in January, down 24 percent compared to January 2015 reflecting continued weakness in the overall commercial vehicle industry. 

Subaru of America, Inc. has reported it's broken its previous yearly sales record with a month of the year still remaining.

Subaru of America, Inc. has reported it has broken its previous yearly sales record with a month of the year still remaining. Sales for 2015 have now surpassed the previous annual sales record of 513,693 vehicles set in 2014 and mark the company’s eighth year of sales growth and seventh successive sales record.

Sales in 2015 have been driven by the Forester, Outback and Crosstrek carlines. Combined, the three crossover vehicles now retail over 350,000 units per year. Subaru sedans; Legacy, Impreza and WRX/STI, have also seen significant year-to-date increases.

Thomas J. Doll, president and chief operating officer, Subaru of America, Inc. said; “We are delighted to be celebrating yet another record. Our continued growth is built on strong products and outstanding retailers providing a great customer experience. We thank all of our retailers for their continued commitment in making these record-breaking sales possible. Given consumer demand for our products, we expect a strong close of 2015.”

Full month and year-to-date sales figures for November 2015 will be released on December 1.

AUDI Celebrates having a storming H1, with over 900,000 vehicles sold and profits of €2.9Billion, not bad.

• Growth in revenue to €30 billion and in operating profit to €2.9 billion, operating return on sales of 9.8 percent
• Audi CEO Rupert Stadler: “The Audi Group demonstrated its strengths once again in the first six months of 2015”

The Audi Group is continuing along its growth path: between January and June, the company delivered more than 900,000 Audi models to customers worldwide for the first time in a six-month period. 

At the same time, the Ingolstadt company increased its revenue to €30 billion and its operating profit to €2.9 billion. The company achieved an operating return on sales of 9.8 percent, once again at the upper end of its strategic target corridor of eight to ten percent.

At the presentation of the half-year interim report, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG Rupert Stadler stated, “The Audi Group demonstrated its strengths once again in the first six months of this year.” 

Despite high advance expenditure for new models, technologies and the expansion of the worldwide production network, Audi did not lose sight of its ambitious profitability targets.

The company was not left untouched by the heterogeneous development of world markets. Nonetheless, the new record number of cars delivered provides evidence of the strengths of the Audi brand and of the entire Audi Group. Strong demand continued for the company’s products although important models are about to be replaced by the next generation. 

Those models account for approximately 40 percent of unit sales. Luca de Meo, Member of the Board of Management of AUDI AG for Sales and Marketing, said: “We intend to grow also in the full year and will continue to successfully master the many challenges facing us.” 

Due to the high volatility of markets and rising costs for the next stage of the model initiative, cautious business operations are of key importance.

With an increase in unit sales of 3.8 percent in the first half of the year, Audi is on track to set a new record for full-year 2015. 

The Ingolstadt-based automobile manufacturer has already delivered 902,389 cars in the first six months of this year (2014: 869,357). The A3 family and the SUV models Q3 and Q5 are particularly popular with customers worldwide.

Between January and June, the Audi Group generated total revenue of €29,784 million (2014: €26,690 million) – an increase of 11.6 percent. During the same period, the company increased its operating profit by 9.1 percent to €2,914 million (2014: €2,671 million) – immediately prior to the renewal of important bestsellers such as the Audi A4.

The cost of sales of the Audi Group increased primarily due to the strong growth by 8.1 percent to €23,636 million (2014: €21,870 million). At the same time, selling expenses rose to €2,592 million (2014: €2,419 million).

The operating return on sales for the six-month period was 9.8 percent (2014: 10.0 percent), once again at the upper end of the strategic target corridor of eight to ten percent. 

The Audi Group achieved profit before tax of €3,150 million for the first half of 2015 (2014: €3,102 million), representing a return on sales before tax of 10.6 percent (2014: 11.6 percent). Profit after tax amounted to €2,429 million (2013: €2,323 million).

Axel Strotbek, Member of the Board of Management of AUDI AG for Finance and Organization, stated: “We are deliberately making large investments in new models, technologies and production capacities, which will pay off in the medium and long term.” 

For this reason, Audi has started the biggest investment program in the company’s history. 

By 2019, a total of €24 billion is to flow into new models, technologies and the continuous growth of the worldwide production network. Between January and June of 2015 alone, Audi invested €2,001 million in its business operations (2014: €1,552 million) – nearly 30 percent more than in the same period in the previous year.

Despite the increased advance expenditure, Audi fully financed all of its investments out of the cash flow from operating activities, which increased to €3,860 million in the first six months of this year (2014: €3,712 million).

Net liquidity increased by 8.8 percent to €16,668 million at June 30, 2015 (June 30, 2014: €15,324 million).

This year, Audi has already taken more than 2,000 new employees on board; the company plans to recruit a total of approximately 4,000 people in Germany alone by the end of 2015. 

In particular, Audi is seeking experts for alternative drive systems as well as digitalization specialists who will help the company to make further progress in the fields of Audi connect and the smart factory. Worldwide, Audi intends to expand its workforce with approximately 6,000 new employees by the end of the year.

In the full year, the company plans to deliver more Audi brand automobiles than in 2014. A challenge in this context is that the economic environment features significant uncertainties. At the same time, advance expenditure is growing for new production capacities, innovative technologies and attractive new automobiles. 

Additional factors are the rising intensity of competition in key markets and the technological transformation within the automotive industry towards alternative drive systems, in particular to comply with stricter CO₂ limits worldwide.

With the targeted volume growth, the revenue of the Audi Group will also rise, with the rate of growth depending on the general economic conditions. In addition, the company anticipates an operating return on sales within the strategic target corridor of eight to ten percent.

Nissan has announced its production, sales & export results for June & the first half of calendar year 2015.

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced its production, sales and export results for June 2015 and for the first half of calendar year 2015 (January-June).

1. Production

June 2015

Nissan's global production in June increased 4.6% year-on-year to 462,078 units, marking an all-time record for the month of June.

Production in Japan increased 0.7% year-on-year to 78,440 units, mainly due to increased demand for the X-Trail.

Production outside Japan increased 5.4% year-on-year to 383,638 units, marking an all-time record for the month of June.

In the U.S., production increased 4.1% year-on-year to 84,009 units, marking an all-time record for the month of June, mainly due to increased demand for the new Maxima and the Murano.

In Mexico, production decreased 0.1% year-on-year to 73,579 units.

In the U.K., production increased 1.5% year-on-year to 44,937 units.

In Spain, production decreased 28.7% year-on-year to 10,556 units.

In China, production increased 3.0% year-on-year to 103,713 units, mainly due to increased demand for the X-Trail and the Sylphy series.

Production in other regions was up 34.4% year-on-year to 66,844 units, mainly due to an increase in production volume of the Rogue (X-Trail in Japan), which is produced in Korea for the North America market, and the NP300 Navara produced in Thailand.

First half: January-June 2015

Nissan's global production declined 1.7% year-on-year to 2,579,631 units.

In Japan, production decreased 0.6% year-on-year to 454,690 units.

Outside Japan, production decreased 1.9% year-on-year to 2,124,941 units.

In the U.S., production decreased 1.8% year-on-year to 479,067 units.

In Mexico, production increased 0.4% year-on-year to 414,026 units, marking an all-time record for the January-June period.

In the U.K., production was down 10.6% year-on-year to 245,570 units.

In Spain, production decreased 27.5% year-on-year to 63,013 units.

In China, production declined 8.3% year-on-year to 551,537 units.

Production in other regions was up 22.8% year-on-year to 371,728 units.

2. Sales

June 2015

Global sales increased 2.3% year-on-year to 452,022 units, marking an all-time record for the month of June.

Japan:

• Sales including mini-vehicles declined 3.3% year-on-year to 48,652 units
• Vehicle registrations increased 2.0% year-on-year to 32,159 units, mainly due to an increase in sales of the X-Trail
• Mini-vehicle sales decreased 12.2% year-on-year to 16,493 units

Sales outside of Japan increased 3.1% year-on-year to 403,370 units, marking an all-time record for the month of June.

In the U.S., sales increased 13.3% year-on-year to 124,228 units, mainly due to higher demand for the Rogue and the Murano, marking an all-time record for the month of June.

In Mexico, sales increased 28.7% year-on-year to 28,370 units, marking an all-time record for the month of June, mainly due to higher sales volume of the X-Trail and the new NP300 Frontier.

In Europe, sales increased 17.4% year-on-year to 73,039 units, marking an all-time sales record for the month of June, mainly due to increased demand for the X-Trail and the Pulsar.

In China, sales were up 0.1% year-on-year to 93,642 units, mainly due to sales of the X-Trail and the Sylphy series.

Sales in other regions decreased 2.7% year-on-year to 71,421 units.

First half: January-June 2015

Global sales increased 0.6% year-on-year to 2,726,511 units, marking an increase for the second consecutive year and an all-time record for the January-June period.

Japan:

• Sales including mini-vehicles were 326,880 units, down 15.6% year-on-year
• Vehicle registrations declined 16.6% year-on-year to 206,764 units
• Sales of mini-vehicles decreased 13.7% year-on-year to 120,116 units

Sales outside of Japan were up 3.2% year-on-year to 2,399,631 units, marking an all-time record for the January-June period.

In the U.S., sales increased 4.5% year-on-year to 736,483 units, marking an all-time record for the January-June period.

In Mexico, sales increased 25.8% year-on-year to 161,382 units, marking an all-time record for the January-June period.

Sales in Europe were up 9.2% year-on-year to 409,938 units, marking an all-time record for the January-June period.

In China, sales increased 5.7% year-on-year to 587,922 units.

Sales in other regions were up 0.2% year-on-year to 440,048 units.

3. Japan exports

June 2015

Nissan's exports in June increased 10.6% year-on-year to 50,048 units, mainly due to increased demand for the X-Trail.

First half: January-June 2015

Nissan's exports in January-June increased 21.7% year-on-year to 265,981 units, posting an increase for the first time in three years.