October Sales: 2015 Kia Sedona Makes Its Mark in Minivan Segment

2015 kia sedona

Making a serious bid for credibility in the U.S. minivan segment, the 2015 Kia Sedona sold 2,376 units last month.

Now, that number may not seem all that serious, especially when the segment-leading Chrysler Town & Country is averaging nearly 12,000 units per month this year, but remember: October was the first time a Kia minivan had earned more than 1,000 sales since August of 2013, and it was the highest monthly Sedona total since August of 2011. Additionally, in terms of growth rates, the 2015 Kia Sedona increased volume by almost 280 percent as compared to October 2013 and by an even higher amount versus September of this year.

The difference-maker? A distinctive, very un-minivan-like design that also earned the 2015 Kia Sedona recognition as the top "Full-Size CUV of Texas" in the recent Texas Truck Rodeo. Similarly, the brand is showcasing the 2015 Kia Sedona as a crossover alternative at SEMA, in the form of customized kart hauler for motorsports enthusiasts. And further helping matters for the 2015 Kia Sedona is its pricing, which starts at $25,900. Not only is that lower than for the Chrysler, Toyota or Honda minivans, it also provides an even bigger advantage when compared to "real" three-row crossovers, many of which start well north of $29K.

Also bolstering Kia's October sales results were:

• Kia Forte, backed by 5,190 sales in the compact segment and a 10.3 percent gain in volume
• Kia Optima, leading the brand in volume with 11,840 October deliveries (+3 percent)
• Kia Sportage, enjoying another strong month with a 48.9 percent jump in demand and 3,743 sales
• Kia Soul, increasing the overall funkiness of the marketplace by 29.7 percent, thanks to 10,685 sales

The party line from Michael Sprague, executive vice president of sales and marketing for Kia Motors America: “Declining gas prices are bringing a steady supply of customers into the market, and our new products have played a role in the steady growth Kia has experienced this year. Kia has one of the youngest and best-looking lineups in the business, including the all-new Sedona multi-purpose vehicle, which is now arriving in dealerships and challenges the segment with its CUV-inspired design, full array of advanced technology and first-class airliner amenities.”