Tag Archives: US market

News

Kia Breaks Sales Records in August, Driven by EV Momentum and SUV Demand

Kia America is on a roll. In August, the brand notched its best-ever monthly sales performance, moving 83,007 units—a 10.4 percent jump over the same period last year. The milestone not only marks Kia’s second time surpassing 80,000 units in a single month but also keeps the automaker firmly on pace for its third consecutive annual sales record. Year-to-date sales are now up 8.6 percent, with retail sales climbing an even healthier 10.3 percent.

EVs in the Fast Lane

Electric vehicles are doing more than pulling their weight in Kia’s lineup. The three-row EV9—a contender in the crowded electric SUV space—posted 2,679 units sold, up a striking 54 percent from July. The EV6 and Niro EV also gained traction, up 39 percent and 57 percent month-over-month, respectively. That makes August the fourth straight month of strong EV growth for Kia, cementing its place among mainstream brands successfully moving metal in the electrified space.

The EV9, in particular, is emerging as a halo model. Not only did it achieve its best-ever monthly sales, but it also earned recognition in the 2025 J.D. Power Tech Experience Index (TXI) Study, winning the Mass Market award for “One-Pedal Driving” tech—proof that Kia’s EV push isn’t just about volume, but also about innovation credibility.

SUVs Still Rule the Roost

While EV momentum is grabbing headlines, Kia’s bread and butter remains its SUV lineup. The Sportage and EV9 set personal bests in August, helping drive Kia’s SUV portfolio to its highest-ever monthly sales. The Telluride and Carnival also posted double-digit increases, up 19 percent and 29 percent year-over-year, respectively.

The Sportage, Kia’s longest-running nameplate, is also getting some fresh attention. Kia recently invited journalists to Louisville, Kentucky, to test the updated 2026 Sportage, with particular emphasis on the Turbo Hybrid model. Expect sharper design, improved tech, and a focus on efficiency as Kia continues to refine its SUV lineup.

Sedans Still Showing Signs of Life

In a market that loves crossovers, Kia’s sedans are holding their own. The K5 midsize sedan jumped 13 percent year-over-year in August, while the Forte (K4 in some markets) continues to be a volume anchor with 12,091 units sold. Together, these models prove that Kia isn’t walking away from the four-door formula just yet.

Awards Keep Rolling In

On the recognition front, Kia’s utility vehicles are collecting hardware. The 2025 Carnival MPV and 2025 Telluride SUV each received Winter Vehicle Awards from the New England Motor Press Association (NEMPA). For the Telluride, it’s the fourth NEMPA honor, adding to an already decorated trophy case. The Carnival, meanwhile, earns its first class win in the minivan category.

Kia’s August story is one of balance. EVs are building credibility and momentum, SUVs are shattering records, and even sedans are showing resilience. With more than 83,000 vehicles sold in a single month, the brand is proving that its diverse lineup is hitting the sweet spot in today’s market.

As Eric Watson, vice president of sales operations for Kia America, put it:
“These are clear indicators of the strength of the Kia brand and how our diverse product offerings continue to meet customer needs.”

If August is any indication, Kia isn’t just coasting toward another annual record—it’s sprinting there.

Source: Kia America

News

Subaru Bets Big on the New Forester Amid Rising Tariff Pressures

In a year dominated by geopolitical turbulence and shifting trade policies, Japanese automakers find themselves in an increasingly difficult position. And among them, none are feeling the heat more than Subaru.

The small yet fiercely loyal brand from Japan is the most exposed of its peers to the 25% auto tariffs recently imposed under the Trump administration. These tariffs, targeting vehicles imported from Japan, threaten to derail Subaru’s financial stability — unless one model can rise to the occasion: the Forester.

Through the first five months of 2025, Subaru has sold 84,629 Foresters in the United States — a modest 3.9% increase year-over-year. Yet this slight uptick carries enormous significance: the Forester is now Subaru’s best-selling model in its largest market, accounting for a major share of the brand’s U.S. presence.

Subaru’s reliance on the American market is staggering. In the fiscal year ending March 2025, the automaker sold 936,000 vehicles globally, with 662,000 — a full 71% — going to U.S. buyers. But that success has come at a cost. Roughly half of the vehicles Subaru sells in the U.S. are still imported from Japan. With the new tariffs in place, the company expects to take a $2.5 billion hit to its operating profit — nearly erasing its $2.79 billion profit from the previous fiscal year.

At the heart of Subaru’s strategy to weather the storm is the new-generation Forester. Launched last year to mixed design reviews, the SUV has now gained a hybrid variant aimed at bolstering its appeal in a fiercely competitive compact crossover market.

Production of the Forester is currently based in Japan, but that’s set to change. Starting this fall, Subaru will begin manufacturing the Forester at its Indiana plant — a significant step toward tariff mitigation. According to Nikkei Asia, the automaker is preparing to boost capacity at the U.S. facility, with company president Atsushi Osaki noting the potential to scale beyond 400,000 vehicles annually.

In Japan, the new Forester is already showing strong momentum. Subaru received nearly 12,000 orders for the model in April — more than double the previous monthly record. By comparison, the U.S. market saw just 19,330 Foresters sold that same month, a sign that there is still room for growth in America.

However, expanding U.S. production is easier said than done. Speaking at Subaru’s recent annual shareholder meeting, Osaki emphasized the challenges of relocating more manufacturing stateside. “It’s true that it would improve our ability to deal with tariffs [to produce more cars in the U.S.], but it would be difficult without the cooperation of all our suppliers,” he explained. “We need to think about this holistically.”

For now, the Forester’s performance in the U.S. market could well determine the trajectory of the entire company. With rising pressure from tariffs, changing consumer preferences, and limited domestic production capacity, Subaru’s future hinges on whether its star SUV can truly live up to its name.

Source: Automotive News