Kia sales volume increased by 20% through 2022, helped by the popular Sportage. On the way at the end of 2023 is the marque’s first seven-seat EV, says Managing Director, Kia Ireland
Ronan Flood,
HOW IS YOUR SUPPLY LINE OF NEW VEHICLES?
Like all manufacturers, we are experiencing supply chain issues as a result of ongoing macro-economic factors. Despite these constraints, we are facing into 2023 in a very strong position. We achieved our highest ever sales performance in 2022, which will see us finish the year as fourth best-selling car brand in Ireland, our highest ever position. Our sales volume has grown 20% on 2021, and based on the high number of orders we have secured so far for January, I expect further growth again in 2023. Demand still outweighs supply, and availability varies by model, but in overall volume terms the outlook is strong.
HOW IS KIA POSITIONED IN THE HYBRID AND EV SEGMENTS?
Over 20% of our sales currently come from full Electric Vehicles with an additional 15% coming from PlugIn Hybrid EVs while Mild Hybrid EVs account for a further 12% of sales. This is testament to our fantastic range of electric vehicles, including the Ceed PHEV, Niro EV and PHEV,
Sportage PHEV, Sorento PHEV and EV6. Kia plan to have seven fully electric and 14 electrified models in our range by 2026.
WHAT WAS KIA’S MOST POPULAR MODEL IN 2022?
The Sportage is our most popular model and is the third best-selling car in the country. SUVs account for roughly half of all car sales in Ireland, so having such a great product in such a pivotal segment is important for us. The Sportage was named Medium SUV of the Year at the AA
Car of the Year Awards for 2023 and it was also named best Medium SUV at the Irish Car of the Year Awards.
WHICH EXECUTIVE MODEL DO YOU RECOMMEND?
It is hard to see past the Kia Sorento as an executive choice. The Sorento is powerful, spacious, and beautifully designed for up to seven people. It’s available as a 2.2-litre 199hp diesel version or as a PHEV, powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine combined with a 13.8kWh battery for a combined output of 261hp.
‘Almost half of our sales are coming from electrified drivetrains’
WHAT NEW MODELS ARE ON THE WAY FROM KIA IN 2023?
In October we will see a facelift to our entry-level Picanto model. The Sorento will also receive some product enhancements around the same time. The big launch for 2023 will be our EV9, which will be our first seven-seat EV, likely to arrive in Ireland next November. The EV9 will be a large SUV, measuring over five metres in length and will be the new flagship model for the Kia brand.
WHAT IS YOUR EXPECTATION FOR CAR BUYER SENTIMENT IN 2023?
The Irish economy has bounced back strongly since the Covid pandemic, but increased interest rates, high inflation and soaring energy costs are having an impact on consumer confidence. Buyers are seeking out value, and our low-rate finance offers are proving increasingly popular. The fuel efficiency of our vehicles along with the energy savings from going electric are often referenced by our customers as motivating factors for purchasing at this time.
RONAN’S CHOICE
Model Kia EV6 Earth
Motor Electric Motor delivers 225hp
Price €54,300 (with SEAI grant) Why? The stylish EV6 is the current European Car of the Year. Thanks to its 77.4kWh long-range battery pack, the EV6 delivers a 528km driving range, and it can be charged from 10-80% in just 18 minutes. Long range and fast charging removes range anxiety issues.
Nearly all Jaguar Land Rover passenger models are now either PHEV or BEV, and the order bank for the all-new Range Rover Sport PHEV is very strong, says Jonathan
Sales Manager at Jaguar Land Rover Ireland
Norman, HOW IS YOUR SUPPLY LINE OF NEW VEHICLES?
We plan to deliver any customer back-orders we have in the ordering system in the first instance. We will then progress with fresh business. Jaguar Land Rover, along with other automotive manufacturers, has experienced supply chain disruptions over the past 12 months. Our production and purchasing teams are working closely with affected
suppliers to help secure more parts, with the primary objective to minimise the impact on customer orders. We are confident that we will see the supply chain disruption ease as we progress through 2023.
HOW IS JAGUAR LAND ROVER POSITIONED IN THE HYBRID AND ELECTRIC VEHICLE SEGMENTS?
97% of all our passenger models are now either PHEV or BEV, which is a significant change for the brand, and there are many more BEV models in our future plans.
WHAT TRENDS HAVE YOU NOTED ABOUT CAR BUYER PREFERENCES?
The government’s green initiatives in terms of new car taxation, benefit in kind and SEAI grants mean that the majority of customers will opt for a PHEV or BEV vehicle for their next purchase.
WHAT WAS JLR’S MOST POPULAR MODEL IN IRELAND THROUGH 2022?
The Range Rover Sport PHEV was the best-selling model in our range through 2022. With an all-new model just landed, our order bank is very strong – a positive endorsement by our customers.
WHAT NEW MODELS ARE ON THE WAY FROM JAGUAR LAND ROVER IN 2023?
There are all-new Range Rover Sport and Range Rover models. Both models are available as PHEVs with an impressive 113km (WLTP cycle) electric-only range.
‘We are fortunate to command unparalleled brand loyalty while also attracting strong conquest business’
WHAT IS YOUR EXPECTATION FOR CAR BUYER SENTIMENT IN 2023?
The customers who are attracted to our brand are very successful in their chosen field. Jaguar Land Rover is fortunate to command unparalleled brand loyalty while also attracting strong conquest business. We have strong order banks across our range of models.
HOW IS YOUR SUPPLY LINE OF NEW VEHICLES?
Overall, we have good supply for 2023. The demand is high and the lead times have increased for our customers. We encourage them to order their Toyota hybrid electric as early as possible to secure their preferred model for Q1 2023.
HOW IS TOYOTA POSITIONED IN THE HYBRID AND ELECTRIC VEHICLE SEGMENTS?
We have championed hybrid for over 20 years and now it’s paying off, with Toyota the best-selling car brand in 2021 and 2022. We have the largest range of hybrid electric vehicles in Ireland, from the Highlander to the Yaris hybrid electric. We are dominating the hybrid electric space, with 70% market share. In 2022 we introduced our first battery electric vehicle, the bZ4X, which is the first in the beyond zero range, and the plan is to have six models in the bZ range by 2026. We are planning for 100% CO2 reduction in all new vehicles sales by 2035 in Western Europe and at least 50% ZEV mix in 2030.
WHAT TRENDS HAVE YOU NOTED ABOUT CAR BUYER PREFERENCES?
People are becoming acutely more aware of the decisions they are making and how they will affect the environment. We have a broad range of electrified options for customers, including plug-in hybrid and battery electric, and we’re finding that for the majority hybrid suits their needs, especially parents with young children. Mindful of the increased cost of living and higher fuel prices, people are choosing to take the step towards electrification. 90% of our sales are hybrid electric, as it is the most affordable and environmentally friendly option and there is no need to plug them in.
WHAT WAS TOYOTA’S MOST POPULAR MODEL IN 2022?
The Corolla hybrid electric, Ireland’s favourite hybrid. One in four Toyotas sold in 2022 were Corolla hybrids. The Corolla family has a hybrid electric to meet every family’s needs, and to complete the range we introduced the Corolla Cross 2.0-litre hybrid SUV in October. It is practical, looks great, and is perfect for growing families.
WHICH EXECUTIVE MODEL DO YOU RECOMMEND?
The updated Toyota Camry Hybrid Platinum is a showstopper and is available in two grades, Sol and Platinum. It turns heads with its TNGA platform design credentials, dynamic driving experience, ultimate comfort, and stunning interior.
WHAT NEW MODELS ARE ON THE WAY FROM TOYOTA IN 2023?
The Corolla hybrid electric minor change — Corolla Hatchback, Corolla Saloon, and the Touring Sports — will arrive in February. The next generation of the original hybrid that started the world’s journey to electrified motoring, the Toyota Prius plug-in 5th generation, is due to arrive in Ireland in May 2023, along with the Corolla Cross 1.8-litre hybrid SUV. The all-new Toyota C-HR arrives in 2024.
‘One in four Toyotas sold in 2022 were Corolla hybrids’
STEVE’S CHOICE
Model bZ4X
Motor Electric
Why? The bZ4X is the first model in Toyota’s new bZ – beyond zero – family of zero-emission battery electric vehicles (BEVs). It’s available in three grades and is a spacious, comfortable SUV, with a new all-wheel drive system that provides class-leading off-road handling and performance. With a fully charged battery, the new model has an expected range of up to 450km.
HOW IS YOUR SUPPLY LINE OF NEW VEHICLES?
With a very high share of Electric Vehicles and Plug-in Hybrids, we have been able to secure good supply of these models, enabling us to grow by nearly 28% in 2022. Our plan for 2023 is for even higher growth so I’m confident about our supply for the year and 231 registration period.
David Thomas,