Seoul: Kia Corp. reported a slight increase in global sales in April, driven by strong demand for its Sportage compact SUVs. The automaker sold 277,188 units worldwide, marking a 1 percent rise compared to the same month last year.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the growth was primarily supported by the Kia Sportage SUVs, with 51,458 units sold in April. The Seltos SUV followed with 28,377 units, and the mid-sized crossover SUV Sorento accounted for 22,843 units. In South Korea, Kia surpassed its larger competitor, Hyundai Motor Co., in sales for the first time in 28 years. Kia, which became part of Hyundai Motor Group in 1998, sold 55,045 units domestically, reflecting a 7.9 percent increase from the previous year.

Sales outside South Korea experienced a minor decline, decreasing by 0.7 percent year-on-year to 221,692 units. The company attributed this downturn to the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran, which has impacted sales in the Middle East and African markets. Despite this, a press release from the company noted that sales remain steady in other regions and the local market.

Kia plans to sustain its sales momentum by focusing on eco-friendly vehicles, including electric and hybrid SUVs. The company expressed confidence in continuing to leverage the growing demand for environmentally conscious vehicle options to maintain and expand its market presence globally.