Hyundai Casper Electric Cross
SEOUL, July 7 (Korea Bizwire) — Hyundai Motor and Kia have sold more than 200,000 small cars in Europe in just the first five months of 2025, a milestone that underscores the growing appeal of compact, fuel-efficient vehicles in one of the world’s most urbanized and eco-conscious markets.
According to figures released Sunday by the two automakers, combined sales of their A- and B-segment vehicles in Europe reached 206,023 units from January through May. This marks a significant leap in their market strategy, with small cars now accounting for over 51% of their total European sales—up from 44.5% in 2024.
The sales surge comes as European consumers continue to favor compact cars, which comprised nearly 39% of the market last year, according to JATO Dynamics. Demand is driven by narrow roads, limited parking, and a growing preference for practical, low-emission vehicles amid tightening EU carbon regulations.
Hyundai’s i10 and i20 hatchbacks and Kia’s Picanto (sold as Morning in Korea) have been the top performers, each surpassing 1 million cumulative sales in Europe since their respective launches.
The i10, introduced in 2008, has sold over 1.25 million units to date, while the i20 follows closely with 1.21 million. The Picanto leads with 1.28 million units sold since its 2004 debut, with European sales making up more than half of its global exports so far this year.
Kia EV3 electric SUV (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
Adding momentum are Hyundai and Kia’s new electric entries—the Casper Electric (marketed as the “Inster” in Europe) and the EV3, a compact electric SUV. The EV3, launched in August 2024, has already sold 28,739 units this year, making up 64% of Kia’s total EV sales in Europe. The Inster crossed the 10,000-unit mark within six months of its December launch.
Kia aims to sustain this momentum with the upcoming EV2, a strategically positioned compact electric SUV tailored for overseas markets, which was previewed earlier this year. Hyundai is also planning to debut a new entry-level electric SUV for Europe.
A Hyundai and Kia spokesperson said the brands will “continue to expand in Europe with a full lineup spanning sedans, hatchbacks, SUVs, hybrids, and EVs,” emphasizing their commitment to small-car leadership in a market undergoing rapid electrification.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
